Château de Retz, Medieval fortress ruins in Feucherolles, France.
Château de Retz is a medieval castle ruin near Valmartin whose stone remains reveal the layout of a large fortified structure. The vestiges indicate solid construction that included various areas for living and defense.
The castle was built in 1215 after a significant battle and later became part of a defensive network protecting the region. Centuries later it was destroyed after losing its military importance.
The site served as a gathering place for French nobility and royal visitors who conducted their affairs here. The ruins reflect an era when such castles functioned as centers of power and social life.
The site is located near private property and is difficult to access since the remains sit on private land. Visits require prior permission from the property owner.
The castle was ordered destroyed not because of military threats but because wild animals sheltering in its ruins interfered with royal hunting expeditions. This unusual decision reveals how greatly royal pastimes shaped historical outcomes.
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