Who built the royal castle of Vivier and when?

Charles of Valois, brother of King Philip the Fair, commissioned its construction in the late thirteenth century; the building was completed around 1308.

What can visitors see of the castle today?

The ruins of the castle complex remain, with ground features revealing the layout of seigneurial buildings and outbuildings, though no complete interior structures are preserved.

Why did the castle change its purpose over time?

After being modified by Charles V, the estate was entrusted to canons, then transformed into a farm after 1791 before passing through successive owners during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Château Royal du Vivier

Fontenay-Trésigny

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Where: Fontenay-Trésigny

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Open within 20 km

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Château royal du Vivier stands in Fontenay-Trésigny (Seine-et-Marne), in the Île-de-France region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: fourth quarter of the 13th century, 14th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The Vivier is a royal fortress built in the late thirteenth century for Charles of Valois, brother of King Philip the Fair. Completed around 1308, the structure was substantially modified during the reign of Charles V. Today the ruins of this castle complex remain, with ground features revealing the extent of the original ensemble, including the seigneurial buildings and outbuildings. Protected as a historical monument, the site stands as a significant remnant of medieval royal architecture in the Île-de-France region.

What to know

The monument has been protected as a classified historical site since 1996, covering the castle ruins and all associated ground features, including those of secondary buildings.
Once operated as a farm and inhabited by canons, the site underwent various transformations before its acquisition in 1958 by an industrialist who preserved the vestiges.
These are ruins only: no complete interior structures are accessible, and visits take place on open-air archaeological grounds.
Site access and visiting arrangements are not documented in available sources; direct contact with the municipality of Fontenay-Trésigny is advised.

Where this château is

Fontenay-Trésigny · Seine-et-Marne · Île-de-France

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Fontenay-Trésigny, Seine-et-Marne

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00087348
Period of construction: fourth quarter of the 13th century, 14th century

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Frequently asked

Who built the royal castle of Vivier and when?: Charles of Valois, brother of King Philip the Fair, commissioned its construction in the late thirteenth century; the building was completed around 1308.
What can visitors see of the castle today?: The ruins of the castle complex remain, with ground features revealing the layout of seigneurial buildings and outbuildings, though no complete interior structures are preserved.
Why did the castle change its purpose over time?: After being modified by Charles V, the estate was entrusted to canons, then transformed into a farm after 1791 before passing through successive owners during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.