Can the Châteauneuf-sur-Epte castle be visited freely?

Access is limited outside European Heritage Days and events organised by the association restoring the site.

Who built the Châteauneuf-sur-Epte castle?

Construction began in 1097 under William Rufus, then ruler of the Duchy of Normandy.

Why is the castle in ruins today?

Its dismantling was ordered by Cardinal Mazarin in 1647, after the castle lost its strategic importance in the 16th century.

What remains to be seen on site?

Visitors can see a castle mound, remains of a keep and its surrounding wall, a bailey with two fortified gates, a medieval barn, a 17th century dwelling and a dovecote.

Is the castle protected as a historic monument?

Yes, the whole castle complex, built and unbuilt, has been listed as a historic monument since an order of 16 June 1998.

Châteauneuf-sur-Epte

Château-sur-Epte

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Where: Château-sur-Epte

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Open within 20 km

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Châteauneuf-sur-Epte stands in Château-sur-Epte (Eure), in the Normandie region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: fourth quarter of the 11th century, 12th century, 14th century, 17th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

In Château-sur-Epte, in the Eure department, stand the remains of a fortress founded at the end of the 11th century by William Rufus to hold the border between Normandy and the kingdom of France. Visitors can see an imposing castle mound topped by a stone keep, a circular bailey enclosed by two fortified gatehouses, along with a medieval barn, a 17th century dwelling and a dovecote. The site, long left in ruin after its dismantling ordered by Mazarin, has been under restoration by volunteers since 2015.

Written from Château-sur-Epte Castle

What to know

The site is mainly open to visitors during European Heritage Days or events organised by the association carrying out its restoration.
The ground consists of open-air ruins on a steep mound, meaning visitors should expect uneven and sloping terrain.
No regular opening hours or admission fees are given in the available information.
The interior is not set up as a furnished château visit: what can be seen is castle architecture still under restoration.
Access to the site may be limited outside of volunteer work periods and occasional openings.

Where this château is

Château-sur-Epte · Eure · Normandie

Map of the area around Châteauneuf-sur-Epte

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Château-sur-Epte, Eure

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

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00099372
Period of construction: fourth quarter of the 11th century, 12th century, 14th century, 17th century

Itineraries

Normandy castles in 2 days from Caen

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can the Châteauneuf-sur-Epte castle be visited freely?: Access is limited outside European Heritage Days and events organised by the association restoring the site.
Who built the Châteauneuf-sur-Epte castle?: Construction began in 1097 under William Rufus, then ruler of the Duchy of Normandy.
Why is the castle in ruins today?: Its dismantling was ordered by Cardinal Mazarin in 1647, after the castle lost its strategic importance in the 16th century.
What remains to be seen on site?: Visitors can see a castle mound, remains of a keep and its surrounding wall, a bailey with two fortified gates, a medieval barn, a 17th century dwelling and a dovecote.
Is the castle protected as a historic monument?: Yes, the whole castle complex, built and unbuilt, has been listed as a historic monument since an order of 16 June 1998.