Château d'Harcourt, Medieval castle in Harcourt, France.
Château d'Harcourt is a medieval fortress in Normandy featuring a distinctive polygonal stone structure with a central tower and reinforced gateways. A deep moat surrounds the entire complex, defining its defensive character and layout.
Robert II d'Harcourt built the first stone fortress in the second half of the 12th century after participating in the crusades with Richard the Lionheart. The structure became the family's power base and shaped their control of the Norman region for generations.
The castle served as the seat of one of Normandy's most powerful noble families and shaped how local power was exercised in the region. Visitors can walk through spaces that show how the family controlled this territory and maintained their influence.
The site opens from March through November, with extended hours during summer months from mid-June to mid-September. Wear sturdy shoes as you will navigate uneven ground and climb stairs leading to the towers.
Within the grounds stands one of France's oldest arboretums, containing rare tree species from around the world. This collection has been maintained for centuries and blends military history with botanical interest.
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