Château-fort de Péronne, Medieval fortress in Péronne, France

Château-fort de Péronne is a medieval fortress characterized by four round sandstone towers, with two positioned to guard the main entrance. Thirteenth-century connecting curtain walls unite these towers and form the core structure of the site.

King Philip Augustus transformed the existing structure into a royal residence during the early 13th century, adding military fortifications. This modification established the architectural foundation that defines the fortress today.

The castle now serves as the entrance to the Historial of the Great War museum, which opened its doors in 1992. Visitors can experience regional stories from World War I through displays housed within the fortress itself.

The gate is the only entrance to the fortress; once through it, the inner courtyard holds the ruins of the 18th-century governor's residence, with the handling stores and bread ovens to its left. The underground rooms of the towers, the guard room and the two brick-vaulted chambers are closed to visitors. The towers were damaged during the Battle of the Somme.

King Louis XI was imprisoned here in 1468, an event that led to the signing of a major peace treaty. This moment became a turning point in French royal affairs and diplomacy.