Harcourt Castle

The Château d'Harcourt has a rich history dating back to the medieval era. Originally, it began as a motte-and-bailey fortress with a wooden construction. In the 12th century, a square stone tower replaced the wooden structures. Over time, the castle's architecture evolved with sieges and changing owners. In the 13th century, the old keep was integrated into a polygonal castle, and the bailey was protected by a curtain wall with nine round towers and a surrounding ditch.

During the 14th century, further enhancements were made, including the installation of a fortified gate (châtelet) and enlarging archeries for crossbow firing. In the 17th century, efforts were made to make the castle more habitable. Portions of the polygonal castle were demolished to bring light into the apartments, and structural modifications were made.

Today, the medieval Château d'Harcourt appears truncated, especially as the top of the keep was leveled to match the height of other buildings. The bailey no longer contains structures, although a chapel likely existed there previously. The castle is recognized as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture.