Hérisson Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Hérisson, France
Hérisson Castle comprises medieval ruins perched on a rocky hill above the Aumance River valley. The preserved stone walls and square keep offer views across the landscape and down toward the village below.
Built in the 12th century by Archambaud VII de Bourbon, the fortress was dismantled in 1652 following conflicts that spanned centuries. Between its construction and destruction, it endured numerous assaults during the regional warfare of the medieval period.
The ruins represent how the Bourbons displayed their power through stone and position in this region. Visitors can sense the role this fortress played in controlling trade routes and territory in medieval times.
The ruins are freely accessible and can be visited during daylight hours without entrance fees. Access involves climbing to the hilltop, but once there you can move freely around the structures with no restrictions.
The arrow slits are remarkably tall, reflecting advanced medieval military design that gave defenders tactical advantages. This unusual feature shows how engineers adapted defensive architecture to improve control of the approaches to the fortress.
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