What is a medieval motte ?

A motte is an earthwork fortification composed of an artificial mound, often surrounded by a ditch. It typically served as the base for a wooden or stone tower or keep during the Middle Ages.

Are there visible Roman remains at Nids motte ?

Early excavations revealed debris from buildings, pottery fragments, jewellery and coins from the Roman period, but no remains are currently displayed or presented on site.

Is Nids motte the only one in the region ?

No, but it is among the last mottes in Beauce that remain distinctly visible in the natural landscape.

Motte médiévale de Nids

Tournoisis

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Tournoisis

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Motte médiévale de Nids stands in Tournoisis (Loiret), in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: Middle Ages, 10th century, 13th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Nids motte is one of the few remaining witnesses to Beauce's medieval defensive system and is still clearly visible in the landscape. This earthwork fortification has a quadrangular plan measuring approximately 80 by 90 metres and rises more than three metres high. It is surrounded by a ditch 10 to 15 metres wide, partially excavated in the nineteenth century. Earlier excavations revealed remains predating the Middle Ages, suggesting the motte was built on the site of a Roman structure.

What to know

Access and visiting conditions are not specified: please inquire with the Tournoisis town hall.
The motte has been listed as a historic monument since 1991.
This is an open-air archaeological site with no buildings or facilities to visit.

Where this château is

Tournoisis · Loiret · Centre-Val de Loire

Map of the area around Motte médiévale de Nids

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

51 Nids Hameau, 45310 Tournoisis

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

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00099048
Period of construction: Middle Ages, 10th century, 13th century

Frequently asked

What is a medieval motte ?: A motte is an earthwork fortification composed of an artificial mound, often surrounded by a ditch. It typically served as the base for a wooden or stone tower or keep during the Middle Ages.
Are there visible Roman remains at Nids motte ?: Early excavations revealed debris from buildings, pottery fragments, jewellery and coins from the Roman period, but no remains are currently displayed or presented on site.
Is Nids motte the only one in the region ?: No, but it is among the last mottes in Beauce that remain distinctly visible in the natural landscape.