Château de Mehun-sur-Yèvre, Mehun-sur-Yèvre, France

The existence of a fortification at the site of Mehun-sur-Yèvre dates from antiquity. The major remains are of the early 13th century and the later 14th century. The present standing ruins date from a castle founded under the Courtenays after 1209. This fortress was transformed into a princely residence by John, Duke of Berry in 1367. Largely ruined in the 18th century the castle represented an excellent example of late Gothic architecture and early Renaissance architecture. Charles VII of France, died in the castle on July 22, 1461.

The castle is built on a trapezoid plan, and originally had a tall cylindrical tower at each corner and a rectangular tower in the middle of one of the long sides. An entrance was formed in the wall between two of the towers. One tower (12m diameter) was much larger than the others (8m) and served as the keep. The keep and the west tower still stand to their full height, each capped with intricate defensive machicolations. Manuscript illustrations indicate that the castle also had a large chapel above the principal entrance.

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User Reviews

Aidan Murphy (9 months ago)
Fantastic remains if what I’m sure would have been the most splendid building , it is still very impressive and definitely worth a visit, free to enter but the tower was closed to the public the day I was there. Set on the edge of the park, walking distance from the town centre .

Konstantinos Markakis (2 years ago)
This is one of the best medieval castles i have ever visited. Most of it is in ruins but the only standing tower, which hosts the museum, is an absolute beauty. Highly recommended.

Florence Lebrun (2 years ago)
Very nice Park Lovely place to visit

Ken Octon (2 years ago)
Nice park below to run the dog around in

Linda Morris (3 years ago)
The town of Mehun-sur-Yévre grew around the Château Charles VII. The Château itself is now a ruin, but it would have been a grans one before its destruction.

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