Some dungeons reachable by the metro, others buried deep in the forests of Île-de-France or perched atop a cliff: you might not immediately suspect that Paris and the Île-de-France host a remarkable number of medieval towers and keeps.
From Essonne to Val-d'Oise, via Yvelines and the Seine-et-Marne, these imposing stone towers listed as historic monuments reveal themselves during a visit or a casual stroll, and they’re full of surprises. There’s plenty to marvel at: the European height record, a 100‑meter-long secret gallery carved into the rock, a keep that has become a water tower, or a charming guest room…
What stands out is the remarkable diversity of these dungeons in the Île-de-France region. Some proudly overlook their surrounding cités, such as the Houdan dungeon in the Yvelines, or the Tower of César in Provins in Seine-et-Marne, which offers a sweeping view of the town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Others are more discreet, such as the donjon of Houssoy, only open during special guided tours. And then there’s the Château de Vincennes, reachable by metro from Paris, whose donjon is simply the tallest in Europe. Scroll down for our full selection to learn more about each of these dungeons and towers of Île-de-France.
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. [Read more]
Seine-et-Marne: you can sleep in this 12th-century royal keep!
[Read more]
This fortified castle in Seine-et-Marne, one of the few urban castles in Île-de-France, reopens its doors.
A rare urban medieval castle in Île-de-France, the Nemours Château-Musée reopens on 11 April 2026 with the exhibition "Water Landscapes," bringing together paintings, etchings and sculptures that explore the theme of water in art. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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! [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
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! [Read more]
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). [Read more]
The Gane Tower in Grez-sur-Loing
Listed as a historic monument, it stands as the remnant of a former medieval castle. The gardens, painted by renowned artists such as Larsson or Corot, have been restored to their former glory. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From April 3, 2026 to December 31, 2029
Location
Île-de-France
Recommended age
For all
