Château de La Roche-Guyon

La Roche-Guyon, France

The present Château de La Roche-Guyon was built in the 12th century, controlling a river crossing of the Seine. In the mid-13th century, a fortified manor house was added below. Guy de La Roche fell at the Battle of Agincourt, and his widow was ousted from the Roche, after six months of siege, in 1419; she preferred to depart rather than accept Henry Plantagenet as her overlord. It came to the Liancourt family with the marriage of Roger de Plessis-Liancourt to the heiress Marie de La Roche; he was a childhood companion of Louis XIII, first gentleman of the Chambre du Roi, and was made a duke in 1643. He and his wife made great changes to the château-bas, opening windows in its structure and laying out the terrace to the east, partly cut into the mountain's steep slope.

The domain of La Roche-Guyon came to the La Rochefoucauld family in 1669, with the marriage of Jeanne-Charlotte de Plessis-Liancourt with François VII de La Rochefoucauld. The Château retained its medieval aspect of a fortress, with its moat and towers and cramped, dark living apartments. The Château was largely extended in the 18th century.

After D-Day in World War II, German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel defended Normandy against the Allies in World War II from a bunker located here. The castle also was Rommel's headquarters.

Restorations and archaeological surveys undertaken after 1990 by the Conservatoire régional des Monuments historiques revealed new additions to the documentary history of La Roche-Guyon, undertaken in the 19th century by Hippolyte Alexandre and Emile Rousse.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

vinny wouterloot (8 months ago)
If u arnt scared of stairs this is a must see I absolutely loved the top of the castle it’s worth the climb!
Jacquee Spano (8 months ago)
Great few hours spent in the castle. Tour guide was very knowledgeable, interesting things to see. Climb to the top was worth it , even though I am out of shape and it was a little bit tough! I made it though and beautiful views from the top
Irina Catescu (9 months ago)
It’s a nice interesting château to visit if you’re in the area with a dungeon and great views from the tower if you were to climb few steps. Be aware the displays are unfortunately in French only (very common everywhere else in France) so you might want to Google it before your visit.
Loree Shine (13 months ago)
This is a must if you are near La Roche-Guyon. Spectacular views of the Seine and the town. If you can, the climb to the top will be worth it but it’s very trying so only if you’re in shape. The gardens are beautiful and have many types of fruits and vegetables growing.
Kate Kenny (16 months ago)
I loved the place, especially the view from the top of the tower. The castle is not fully furnished and only a part of it is open for visitors. Still think it's an impressive building and I'm glad we've visited. Definitely recommend.
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