Dungeon guide

Château-Musée de Nemours : discover this little-known medieval fortress, a unique gem in Île-de-France

Rare urban medieval castle in Île-de-France, the Château-Musée de Nemours reopened its doors this April with the exhibition "Paysages d'eau" ("Water Landscapes"), just a stone's throw from the Loing, its free-access gardens, and a Natura 2000–listed island. It’s the transportive discovery that’s well worth the detour.

The Tour Jean-sans-Peur, a medieval treasure in Paris

Immerse yourself in medieval history at the Tour Jean-sans-Peur in Paris. The last vestige of the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne Valois, the Tour Jean sans Peur was built in 1409 and offers a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages in a reconstructed residence. It currently houses an exhibition on Health in the Middle Ages, which runs until September 10, 2023 (excluding the month of August).

This keep in Essonne is a miniature replica of Philippe Auguste's medieval Louvre.

Did you know? The keep of the Château de Dourdan, in Essonne, was built on the same model as Philippe Auguste’s medieval Louvre. Just 44 km from Paris, this listed monument is open to visitors year-round.

Seine-et-Marne: you can sleep in this 12th-century royal keep!

In Moret-sur-Loing, Seine-et-Marne, the Donjon de Moret offers an extraordinary stay inside a 12th‑century historic monument, a former royal residence. Whether you’re after a night in a guest room in a place steeped in history or a family-friendly rental that’s a refreshing change, this is an experience to behold.

Seine-et-Marne: this medieval keep that visitors can tour was once a prison.

Across Seine-et-Marne, the César Tower has dominated Provins’ medieval citadel since the 12th century. This listed keep, once used as a prison, is open to visitors year-round and offers a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

This keep in Val-d'Oise, which hides a 100-meter secret passage, reopens its doors

In the heart of the village of La Roche-Guyon, one of Val d'Oise's most beautiful villages in France, an extraordinary troglodyte castle rises, opening to visitors from April 1, 2026, with a medieval keep and its closely guarded secrets.

In Yvelines, you can climb to the top of this tower for a sweeping view of the medieval town.

Rising 25 metres above the Yvelines, Houdan's keep hides a history as solid as it is unusual. A survivor from the 12th century, this stone colossus weathered demolition by being transformed into a functional water tower for nearly a century. An architectural curiosity that today offers an exceptional panorama of the medieval town.

The only medieval keep with buttresses in Île-de-France is located in the Yvelines.

In Yvelines, at Maurepas, the remains of a 20-meter-high cylindrical keep stand as the sole remnant of a medieval fortress from the 12th century. Recognized as a historic monument since 1926, it still holds the secrets of a turbulent past. Here’s the story.

The tallest castle tower in Europe is just outside Paris, within easy reach of the metro!

Did you know that Europe’s tallest medieval tower was just a short ride from Paris, in the heart of a remarkably well-preserved castle? Here’s everything you need to know!

This medieval tower, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne, was once used to measure the speed of light.

Perched atop a 30-meter-high hill, the Montlhéry Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne and the Île-de-France region. This historic medieval relic, officially listed as a Monument Historique, once served as a laboratory for some of the greatest scientists of the 19th century. Whether you're interested in its history, planning a visit, or just taking a leisurely walk, here's everything you need to know.

This historic keep, the last remaining remnant of a royal castle, may soon reopen its doors to visitors.

The Guinette Tower, the last remaining remnant of Étampes Castle, is at the heart of a restoration project aimed at making the ruins of this medieval fortress accessible to visitors once again. Here's the story of this endangered heritage site.

In Seine-et-Marne, this medieval keep opens its doors to the public during exclusive guided tours.

It is a remnant of a medieval castle in Seine-et-Marne, now a captivating piece of heritage. The Houssoy Keep opens its doors to visitors during special guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into its secrets and history!

Grez-sur-Loing: Discover this superb authentic medieval village in Seine-et-Marne along the river

Located in the Seine-et-Marne region of France, Grez-sur-Loing is an unmissable getaway to recharge your batteries and discover a pretty village frozen in time. This medieval village is brimming with charm and history. Stroll, hike or canoe along the water's edge, it's a place well worth the detour.