Harcourt Castle (Château d'Harcourt)
About Harcourt Castle (Château d'Harcourt)
Château d'Harcourt is a remarkably preserved medieval fortress dating from the 12th-14th centuries, ancestral home of the illustrious Harcourt family - one of France's most ancient noble houses traced back to 1094. The castle features a polygonal layout with five round towers, impressive defensive walls, and a double moat system that once made it nearly impregnable. Surrounding the castle is France's oldest arboretum, established in 1802, which houses an extraordinary collection of nearly 3,000 trees representing 500 species from around the world, including rare specimens of giant sequoias, metasequoias, and centuries-old cedars of Lebanon. Visitors can explore the castle's exterior and lower courtyard, walk along the ancient fortification walls, and wander through the magnificent arboretum's marked trails. Note that the domain is currently closed throughout 2025 for major renovation works including restoration of wetland areas and planting of 150 new remarkable trees. Check the official website for reopening dates and seasonal hours, as the site typically operates March through November with extended summer hours.
Interesting Facts
The castle's ancient well, now located outside the fortress, was dug to an impressive depth of 66 meters with 33 meters lined with masonry. It features a massive 3.2-meter diameter wheel that dates from the late Middle Ages - an engineering marvel that provided water to the entire castle complex during sieges.
Members of the Harcourt family participated in some of history's most famous events: Anquetil d'Harcourt accompanied William the Conqueror to England in 1066, Robert II joined Richard the Lionheart on the Crusades, and Jean I "le Prud'homme" followed King Saint Louis on both the 7th and 8th Crusades before founding a priory in 1257.
During December through February, the arboretum transforms into "Arbora Lumina" - an enchanting nighttime multimedia experience created by the renowned Moment Factory. The 1.2-kilometer pathway features nine thematic scenes combining lights, music, and video projections, turning the centuries-old trees into a magical winter wonderland.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Ticket Prices
Domain Entry
RecommendedChildren's Entry (6-12 years)
Teen Entry (13-17 years)
Location & Practical Info
Address
13 rue du Château, 27800 Harcourt, France
Day Routes
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