Château de Fère-en-Tardenois, Medieval castle ruins in Fère-en-Tardenois, France
The Château de Fère-en-Tardenois is a ruined castle on a plateau featuring seven cylindrical towers encircling an irregularly shaped hexagonal courtyard and surrounded by a deep stone-lined moat. The complex combines medieval fortifications with later Renaissance additions across a substantial grounds area.
Construction of the castle began in 1206 under Robert II, Count of Dreux, following his father's acquisition of the lands from the Archbishops of Reims. The site underwent multiple periods of rebuilding and reinforcement that shaped its structure over subsequent centuries.
The Renaissance bridge built around 1560 by architect Jean Bullant features covered walkways that define the castle's appearance. This architectural approach shaped the design choices of other major fortified residences in the surrounding region.
The ruins are open to visitors but require sturdy footwear due to uneven ground and steps between different levels. Allow time to explore both the outer fortifications and inner structures, as some areas are better viewed during daylight hours.
The artificial mound supporting the castle features sandstone-covered slopes that set new standards for French fortification design. This innovative ground engineering approach was remarkably advanced for its era.
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