Château d'Ivry-la-Bataille, Medieval castle ruins in Ivry-la-Bataille, France
Château d'Ivry-la-Bataille is a stone keep standing on raised ground that overlooks the Eure River valley in Normandy. The ruins show thick walls and the basic layout of an early medieval fortress designed for defense and control.
Construction began around 1000 under Count Rodulf of Ivry, making it one of the first stone fortifications in Norman architecture. The fortress served as a key stronghold controlling the valley before it was eventually abandoned.
The castle's design became a model for Norman military architecture across northern Europe and England. You can see how the builders combined practical defense with the stone techniques of their era.
The site is accessible by car from major Normandy cities and located on elevated terrain with clear views of the surroundings. The ground is uneven in places, so sturdy shoes are recommended for exploring the ruins safely.
Historical records tell of an unusual incident where the count's wife had the architect put to death to prevent him from building similar fortifications for rival rulers. This story reveals how valuable fortress-building knowledge was during that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
