In Marcoussis, Essonne, stand the remains of Château de Montagu, built in the early 15th century by Jean de Montagu. Now in ruins but steeped in history, it attracts those who enjoy strolling among the traces of a past both powerful and fragile - and it can be visited... provided you know the right times.
Château de Montagu was built between 1403 and 1408 by Jean de Montagu, superintendent of finance for Charles VI, at the height of the Hundred Years' War. Inspired by such imposing figures as the medieval Louvre and the Bastille, it had a quadrangular plan reinforced by four circular towers at the corners, curtain walls with machicolations and a moat.
Shortly afterwards, Jean de Montagu was executed in 1409, and his inheritance divided between conflicts, confiscations and family returns, before Louis Malet de Graville transformed the fortress into an elegant residence in the early 16th century, complete with large windows, sumptuous staircase, dovecote, fountain and falconry.
The Château was looted during the French Revolution, then demolished between 1805 and 1806, its stones scattered and its memories weakened. Purchased in 1941 by the Fondation Apprentis d'Auteuil to house a horticultural school, the site was reborn as a peaceful park. In the 1970s, thanks to the efforts of Roland Payen and theAssociation Historique de Marcoussis (AHM), the site was cleared and consolidated, and classified as a Historic Monument in 1984. Even today, the Oubliettes tower, barbican, moats, vaulted cellars and terreplein are maintained. In addition, a restoration project supported by the Bern Mission plans to open the tower's upper floors to the public, showcasing the objects discovered during the excavations.
Montagu Castle is now open to the public, but on an ad hoc, organized basis. Here's how it works:
Exceptional openings: the site is open one Saturday a month, during volunteer work camps organized by the Association Historique de Marcoussis (AHM). It is also open during the Journées de l'archéologie(June) and the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (September).
Visits on request: groups can organize guided tours, by appointment, for a minimum of 10 people. You can even extend your visit to the Célestins cellars or theparish church.
In addition, there are special tours organized throughout the year. So, before you go, make sure you know about upcoming events, and book in advance if necessary: you can't just drop in unannounced. But if you plan ahead, you'll have the chance to make an exceptional discovery at the heart of this ruined castle. Click here to stay informed!
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 6, 2025 to October 19, 2025
Location
Chateau de Montagu
53 Avenue Massenat Deroche
91460 Marcoussis
