Château de Domfront, Medieval castle ruins in Domfront en Poiraie, France
Château de Domfront is a stone castle built on an elevated sandstone ridge overlooking the town of Domfront en Poiraie in Normandy. Its remains include a central keep and an adjoining chapel, both constructed from local stone material.
The stone keep was built around 1100 by Henry I Beauclerc, King of England and Lord of Domfront, replacing an earlier wooden fortification. This transition to stone construction reflected a shift toward more permanent defensive architecture.
The castle serves as a landmark for remembering the medieval past of Normandy, where local events and exhibitions bring this era to life for visitors and residents. These gatherings show how people today connect with and share their regional heritage.
The grounds remain open year-round with no admission fee, though guided tours require advance booking to arrange a time. Plan your visit with weather in mind since the elevated location is exposed to wind and rain.
The castle walls feature an archer's gallery with arrow slits that remain in their original medieval form, visible in sections of the defensive perimeter. These features reveal the practical combat techniques used to defend the fortress long ago.
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