Château de Villars, castle in Saint-Parize-le-Châtel, Nièvre, France
Château de Villars is a large stone building in Saint-Parize-le-Châtel with six towers protecting its main structure and a high wall surrounding it like an old fortress. Thick walls and towers reveal how the castle was built to defend against attacks, while additions over time created more comfortable rooms and features.
The castle was built in the early 1300s and played an important role during the Hundred Years War between France and England, as both sides fought over this area for its strategic value. Over the centuries, many noble families lived there, including Henriette de Clèves and others connected through marriages and inheritance.
The castle's name, Villars, reflects its long association with the land and people who lived there over centuries. For locals, it remains a symbol of their region's past and continues to be part of the community's identity as a reminder of when castles served as homes and defense structures.
The castle is private property and not open for regular visits, though it can be viewed from the road or nearby vantage points and admired from the outside. It is best to check in advance if guided tours or special openings are planned, as restoration work is ongoing.
According to legend, Joan of Arc stayed at the castle before she went to help free Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier from siege. This historical connection adds special meaning to the walls and ties it to one of the greatest chapters in French history.
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