Château de Domfront (Domfront Castle)
About Château de Domfront (Domfront Castle)
The ruins of Château de Domfront stand on a sandstone promontory 70 meters above the Varenne valley, marking what was once one of medieval France's most formidable fortresses. Built around 1010 by Guillaume de Bellême, the castle was reconstructed in stone by Henri I Beauclerc (later King Henry I of England) after 1092. The fortress served as a Plantagenet royal residence in the 12th century, hosting Eleanor of Aquitaine who gave birth to her daughter Eleanor here in 1161. Originally protected by 24 towers, the castle was demolished by gunpowder in 1610 on orders from Henri IV's minister Sully. Visitors today can explore the impressive remains including massive donjon walls over 4 meters thick, the rare fortified Romanesque Saint-Symphorien chapel, and 11-13 surviving towers. The site offers panoramic views over the Varenne valley and the medieval town below. Free access year-round; guided tours available in summer through the tourist office.
Interesting Facts
Eleanor of England, born at Domfront Castle in 1161, became Queen of Castile and mother of Blanche of Castile. Through this lineage, the castle is connected to King Louis IX (Saint Louis) of France, making it part of the ancestral heritage of French royalty.
The castle's fortifications incorporated advanced military techniques possibly inspired by Crusader architecture, including diamond-faceted tower bases to deflect projectiles and "courtine à gaine" (internal wall galleries) similar to those at Krak des Chevaliers in Syria.
Since 1984, the Association for Castle Restoration (ARCD) has organized international youth volunteer camps to preserve the ruins. Between 1985 and 2003, young volunteers from across Europe participated in excavation and restoration work, uncovering archaeological treasures while learning medieval construction techniques.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
14 Le Château, 61700 Domfront-en-Poiraie, France
Day Routes
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