Is Derval castle in ruins?

Yes, only remains survive, including the Saint-Clair tower, which is partly collapsed.

Can you visit the Saint-Clair castle freely?

The site can be reached through the woods, but no information on fees or opening hours is available.

What is the history of Derval castle?

Built in the 14th century, it was besieged in 1373 by Bertrand du Guesclin and later destroyed at the end of the 16th century during the Wars of the League.

Is the site protected?

The Saint-Clair tower has been listed as a historic monument since 1925, and the whole site, built and unbuilt, since November 2021.

Derval castle

Derval

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Book a visit

Tickets via our partner GetYourGuide, affiliate link

Where: Derval

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.

To make a day of it

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

Medieval city of PouancéSun, Sep 20 · château médiéval de Pouancé37 km
Medieval camp and exhibitionSun, Sep 20 · château médiéval de Pouancé37 km
Guided tours, exhibitions, debates, stands, concerts, activitiesSun, Sep 20 · château de Bézyl les Bois28 km

Château Saint-Clair stands in Derval (Loire-Atlantique), in the Pays de la Loire region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Set in woodland north of Derval, the Saint-Clair tower is what remains of a 14th-century stronghold, now in ruins. Besieged in 1373 by Bertrand du Guesclin while held by the English knight Robert Knolles, the castle later belonged to the Derval family before being destroyed at the end of the 16th century during the Wars of the League. Visitors find a partly collapsed keep some 24 metres high, surrounded by moats still partly filled with water and several defensive earthworks.

Written from Derval Castle

What to know

The site lies in woodland about 2.5 km north-northeast of the village of Derval, so reaching it involves some walking.
The remains are in a ruined state and little developed for visitors, the site having served for a long time as a stone quarry.
The Saint-Clair tower, the only part still standing, has been protected since 1925, with the whole site protected since 2021.
No information on fees, opening hours or accessibility is available for this site.

Where this château is

Derval · Loire-Atlantique · Pays de la Loire

Map of the area around Château Saint-Clair

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

44590 Derval

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

Get directions View on a map

4.3 / 5from 31 Google reviews

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00108610
Period of construction: 14th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Is Derval castle in ruins?: Yes, only remains survive, including the Saint-Clair tower, which is partly collapsed.
Can you visit the Saint-Clair castle freely?: The site can be reached through the woods, but no information on fees or opening hours is available.
What is the history of Derval castle?: Built in the 14th century, it was besieged in 1373 by Bertrand du Guesclin and later destroyed at the end of the 16th century during the Wars of the League.
Is the site protected?: The Saint-Clair tower has been listed as a historic monument since 1925, and the whole site, built and unbuilt, since November 2021.