Château de Scey, Medieval castle ruins in Chassagne-Saint-Denis and Cléron, France
The Château de Scey is a castle ruin that stands on a rocky outcrop between the Loue Valley and the Valbois ravine. The site contains several stone buildings and towers scattered across the ridge.
The castle began its construction in the 11th century, with the Saint-Denis Tower built by Pierre de Scey in 1166. King Louis XIV ordered the fortress destroyed in 1674 as part of his military strategy.
The castle grounds hold deep meaning for locals as a landmark tied to the region's medieval past and upheavals. Visitors today can observe how different building periods and events have shaped what remains visible on the site.
The site is best explored on foot, as the terrain is steep and uneven, requiring sturdy footwear. Restoration efforts since 1995 have improved stability and made different sections of the ruin accessible to visitors.
The castle holds three vaulted rooms from the 15th century that show how architecture evolved over the centuries. The square tower with its limestone facade and spiral staircase remnants stands out as a notable feature.
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