Can you go inside the château de Druyes?

No, it is an open air ruin, the original great hall no longer exists.

When was the château de Druyes built?

It was built in the late 12th century by the counts of Nevers.

Who lived at the château de Druyes?

Pierre II of Courtenay, later emperor of Constantinople, and his daughter Mathilde, countess of Nevers, stayed there regularly.

Is the château de Druyes a listed historic monument?

Yes, the ruins have been listed since a 1924 decree.

Why is the château de Druyes significant in military architecture?

It is one of the earliest Philippian castles, an early simplified defensive design from the reign of Philippe Auguste.

Château de Druyes

Druyes Castle

Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Book a visit

You are leaving for the château’s own website

Where: Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Château de Ratilly (Ratilly Castle)from €619 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Druyes stands in Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines (Yonne), in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 12th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

On a rocky plateau above Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, the ruins of the castle still display a square enclosure and round towers, remnants of late 12th century military architecture. Built by the counts of Nevers, it served as a residence for Pierre II of Courtenay, emperor of Constantinople, and later for his daughter Mathilde, who received delegations and issued charters there. Abandoned from the 17th century onward, it retains a square plan 53 metres on each side, with four cylindrical corner towers and a fortified gate to the north. Visitors come to see an early example of so called Philippian castles, designed for strong defence at low cost.

Written from Château de Druyes

What to know

The site is visited outdoors, on uneven ruined ground that calls for sturdy footwear.
The castle has been listed as a historic monument since 1924, covering the whole of the ruins.
No opening hours or admission fees are confirmed in our data, so check before visiting.
The seigneurial hall has disappeared, leaving only the curtain walls and towers standing.
Access is on foot from the village of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines.

Practical information

Opening hours

du 4 avril au 30 septembre 2026, week-ends et jours fériés: 15h-18h
juillet-août tous les jours: 15h-18h
du 15 juillet au 15 août du mardi au vendredi: 9h30-12h

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

Where this château is

Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines · Yonne · Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Map of the area around Château de Druyes

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines, Yonne

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00113676
Period of construction: 12th century

Itineraries

Burgundy castles in 2 days, from Guédelon to Berzé

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can you go inside the château de Druyes?: No, it is an open air ruin, the original great hall no longer exists.
When was the château de Druyes built?: It was built in the late 12th century by the counts of Nevers.
Who lived at the château de Druyes?: Pierre II of Courtenay, later emperor of Constantinople, and his daughter Mathilde, countess of Nevers, stayed there regularly.
Is the château de Druyes a listed historic monument?: Yes, the ruins have been listed since a 1924 decree.
Why is the château de Druyes significant in military architecture?: It is one of the earliest Philippian castles, an early simplified defensive design from the reign of Philippe Auguste.