Château de Fère-en-Tardenois

Fère-en-Tardenois, France

The Château de Fère-en-Tardenois is a ruined castle in the commune of Fère-en-Tardenois in the Aisne département. Construction of the original castle began in 1206. Little of that remains today. It had seven towers on an enormous artificial motte whose slopes were covered in slabs of sandstone and served as a model for numerous other castles. The connétable Anne de Montmorency, companion of Francis I, transformed the castle in around 1528. In 1555, he enlarged it with the addition of the famous Renaissance bridge carrying a covered gallery. These works were carried out by the architect Jean Bullant (who constructed the gallery at the Château de Chenonceaux) and, possibly, the sculptor Jean Goujon, which would explain the quality of the sculptures, the stone and the colours.

Ownership of the castle is shared by the département and a private company. It is open to the public.

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Details

Founded: 1206
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Idse Beukema (3 years ago)
Impressive ruins of an old castle. The Castle van be visited, but there is nothing else to see or do. A little explanation about the history would have been nice.
Arno Belham (3 years ago)
A real diamond in the rough. 5 star hotel & spa, in a 18th century castle. hidden behind a 13-century built castle. Two style next to each other. Great welcoming staff and calm outdoors. Very relaxing. Highly recommended.
Stephan de Oude (4 years ago)
Spectacular place, a real sight to see. It seemed to be being renovated (rebuild). For this they have a 150 year plan. There is no reception or entrance port, I recommend to just park and go see the sight!
aleks lewis (4 years ago)
Great atmosphere, enormous selection of wines, good service and the food was wonderful
Ben Williams (4 years ago)
Beautiful Castle, free to visit and unique construction. Would love to learn more about the place and maybe one day I can afford to book a room in the Hotel!
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Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.