Château de Ballon, Medieval castle in Ballon, Sarthe, France

Château de Ballon is a medieval castle situated on elevated ground featuring round towers and stone walls with windows that replaced original arrow slits during later modifications. The preserved fortification elements and defensive structures demonstrate the construction methods typical of strongholds from this era.

The castle is mentioned from the early 11th century, when it was reportedly built by Robert I of Bellême as a base against the counts of Maine. It was besieged about twenty times during that century, and Robert II of Bellême had it rebuilt on its present site around 1080. Philip Augustus took and burned it in 1189 and 1199, then had it rebuilt. After the English burned it in 1434, Jacques de Surgère began rebuilding the keep from 1469, work finished by Jeannot d'Iynurse in 1505.

The castle's name comes from Ballon, the town it overlooks on the road to Mamers. The site is a classified monument (monuments historiques), and the 15th-century keep with its slate-spired stair turret and machicolated gallery is the element to look for. The seigneurial title passed by marriage and inheritance, as when Renée de Maillé wed Jacques de Surgère in 1452.

Visitors should pay attention to uneven terrain on the elevated grounds and older stone surfaces that can become slippery. Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable since many areas offer limited shelter from the elements.

The castle was besieged about twenty times during the 11th century, according to the French Wikipedia article. It was held at various moments by Herbert Eveille-Chien, Count of Maine, in 1031, by William of Normandy in 1064 and by Robert II of Belleme around 1080, who rebuilt it on its present site.