Château d'Aulnay, Medieval castle in Aulnay, France.
Château d'Aulnay is a fortified building dominated by a prominent circular keep with exceptionally thick stone walls. The interior is divided into multiple levels connected by staircases built within the walls themselves, each serving different functions within the stronghold.
The fortress was founded in the 12th century by the viscounts of Aulnay and came under English control during the Hundred Years War. It was later recovered and underwent significant transformation in the 16th century when it became a royal residence.
The castle bears the marks of transformation by Louise of Savoy, mother of King Francis I, who created a royal residence here. The stone rooms and their arrangement still show today how a medieval fortress was adapted for court life.
The location is in a rural setting and requires planned travel since the surrounding area has limited built infrastructure. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be aware that the steep spiral staircases inside the keep demand physical effort.
A separate circular dovecote near the keep was once a crucial supply resource, housing vast numbers of birds for food and feathers. This structure reveals how the estate was designed for self-sufficiency and how pigeons represented an economic asset.
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