King Philippe VI built the foundation of the keep around 1340; his son, Jean II le Bon (John II the Good) resumed the work and by the time he died in 1364 the…
The keep, or donjon, is an architectural feat and the expression of remarkable political determination: it was built quickly, and at great cost. This huge…
The chatelet forms the main entrance to the keep. lts facade was originally adorned with a huge sculpted design. Visitors used to be greeted by statues of…
The grand staircase in the chatelet. The slightly projecting staircase which opened from the chatelet onto the courtyard was an innovation by Raymond du…
Footbridge between the chatelet and the keep. It was the only entrance into the keep - it was not possible to enter the keep from the ground floor.
The rectangular tower was added at Charles V's request at the beginning of his reign (1364) in order to install latrines on the first 5 floors of the keep. On…
Charles V had an appartment set against the wall surrounding the keep; this apartment was destroyed in the 17th century. Barracks were then added around 1841.
Walkway atop the outer wall of the keep complex, used by the king for leisure walks.
First floor of the keep: the central pillar which supports all levels. The vaults are covered with wood from baltic oak trees 250 years old when they were…
Ceiling of a corner tower.
The keep was used as a jail several times over the centuries. From the middle ages the kings had, as senior dispensor of justice, a place in each of their…
