Top 5 Castles around Pierres
Castles around Pierres, a commune in the Eure-et-Loir department in northern France, offer a glimpse into rich history and impressive architecture. The region is characterized by its historical sites and natural landscapes, providing a setting for exploring centuries-old structures. Visitors can discover a variety of castles, each with unique historical significance and architectural styles. The area provides opportunities to combine historical exploration with outdoor activities.
Best castles around Pierres
- The most popular castles is Château de Mormoulins, a castle that stood in the middle of marshes around the 10th century. The current castle was built after 1817, following the razing of the original structure due to annual floods.
- Another must-see spot is Nogent-le-Roi Castle, a castle dating from the 15th century. Visitors can admire its Neo-Louis XIII style building from 1863 and explore the surrounding park, which is open daily and hosts various events.
- Visitors also love Maintenon Castle, a castle that was once the residence of Madame de Maintenon. The castle features elegant halls, gardens, and an aqueduct originally built to supply water to the Palace of Versailles.
- Pierres is known for its medieval fortresses, 15th-century structures, and 19th-century architectural renovations. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, showcasing different historical periods and styles.
- The castles around Pierres are appreciated by the komoot community, with 38 upvotes and 9 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Château de Mormoulins
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Maintenon Castle
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Nogent-le-Roi Castle
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Château de Maintenon
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Château de Boullay-Thierry
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Tips from the Community
The Moulin de Mormoulins is a watermill located on the Eure River in the hamlet of Mormoulins. This mill dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and is a listed historical monument. You can admire the old stone building, the wooden wheel, and the canal that diverts water from the river as you pass in front of the mill. The mill is surrounded by green fields and trees, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
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The castle of Nogent-le-Roi dates from the 15th century and was built by Pierre de Brézé, close advisor to King Charles VII1. You will be able to admire the neo-Louis XIII style of the current building, built in 1863 by Alfred Chapelain, and discover the remains of the medieval fortress, such as the surrounding wall and the two square towers. You can also run in the magnificent park surrounding the castle, where there is an old windmill which was used to pump water during the Second Empire. The park is open to the public every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Château de Nogent-le-Roi is an ideal destination for a refreshing and cultural run.
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The castle of Nogent-le-Roi dates from the 15th century and was built by Pierre de Brézé, a close adviser to King Charles VII1. You can admire the neo-Louis XIII style of the current building, built in 1863 by Alfred Chapelain, and discover the remains of the medieval fortress, such as the surrounding wall and the two square towers. You can also enjoy the magnificent park that surrounds the castle, where there is an old windmill that was used to pump water during the Second Empire. The park is open to the public every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Château de Nogent-le-Roi is an ideal destination for a relaxing and cultural hike.
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The Château de Maintenon is a castle that was once the residence of Madame de Maintenon, the second wife of Louis XIV. You can explore the elegant halls and gardens of the castle, as well as the impressive aqueduct that was built to supply water to the Palace of Versailles. The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The entrance price is 9 euros for adults and 6 euros for children. You can also benefit from a guided tour or an audio guide at an additional cost. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, where you can stroll along the Eure and admire the view of the aqueduct and the castle.
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This beautiful castle owes its fame to the most famous of its occupants, Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon, wife of Louis XIV. Transformed many times, the castle was created in the 12th century with the role of a fortress. It became a pleasure castle during the Renaissance before becoming the property of the Marquise. During a visit, you discover the rich history of the place. The castle is fully furnished, which makes the visit all the more immersive.
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Very nice windmill, especially in good weather!
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Around the 10th century, Mormoulins Castle stood in the middle of the marshes. Access from Chaudon was via a sandstone causeway, the foundations of which still exist. The marshes filled in over the centuries, becoming the meadows bordering the current picturesque Mormoulins road. Legend has it that one of its owners was killed in a duel the day after his wedding, and a son was born nine months later. Another legend claims that a captain of the guards charged with defending the castle was killed along with a hundred men the day before his wedding. In 1774, the Receiver General of Finance of Picardy, brother-in-law of the Pompadour family, purchased it. It was he who had the canals dug, which are still visible today. In 1781, the owner was Mr. Fergeol, from Villers, whose widow sold the castle ruins in 1817 to Mr. du Temple de Chevrigny. Source: mormoulins.fr
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical features can I explore at Maintenon Castle?
At Maintenon Castle, you can explore elegant halls and gardens. A significant historical feature is the impressive aqueduct, originally constructed to supply water to the Palace of Versailles. The castle was once the residence of Madame de Maintenon, the second wife of King Louis XIV.
Are there parks or natural areas to enjoy around the castles?
Yes, Nogent-le-Roi Castle is surrounded by a magnificent park, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., which hosts various exhibitions and events. The park also features an old windmill used for pumping water during the Second Empire. Maintenon Castle also features beautiful gardens and is surrounded by a park where you can stroll along the Eure river.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Pierres?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for hiking, running, and road cycling. For example, there are moderate hiking loops around Maintenon and easy running routes like the 'Château de Maintenon loop from Pierres'.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Pierres?
The castles and their surrounding parks are generally enjoyable throughout the year. For pleasant outdoor activities like exploring gardens and parks, spring and summer offer mild weather. However, the parks, such as the one at Nogent-le-Roi Castle, are open daily, allowing for visits in any season.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the area?
Yes, both Maintenon Castle and Nogent-le-Roi Castle are considered family-friendly. They offer extensive parks and grounds for children to explore, and the historical significance can be engaging for all ages.
What is unique about Château de Mormoulins?
Château de Mormoulins has a rich history, originally standing in the middle of marshes around the 10th century. The current castle was built after 1817, following the razing of the original structure due to annual floods. Nearby, you can also admire the Moulin de Mormoulins, an 18th-century watermill.
Can I find parking easily when visiting the castles?
While specific parking details for all castles are not provided, major attractions like Maintenon Castle typically offer visitor parking. It's advisable to check the official websites for each castle for the most up-to-date parking information before your visit.
What architectural styles can I see among the castles near Pierres?
The castles around Pierres showcase a range of architectural styles. Nogent-le-Roi Castle, for instance, primarily features a Neo-Louis XIII style from 1863, though remnants of its 15th-century medieval fortress, like the surrounding wall and two square towers, are still visible. Maintenon Castle presents an elegant historical design reflecting its past as a royal residence.
Are there any lesser-known castles worth seeing in the vicinity?
Beyond the more prominent sites, Château de Boullay-Thierry is another very old building in the region that visitors might find interesting to admire during their stay.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Pierres?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and impressive architecture of the castles. The komoot community has shown strong engagement, with 38 upvotes and 9 photos shared across the highlights, indicating a positive experience. The combination of historical exploration with opportunities for outdoor activities in the surrounding natural landscapes is also highly valued.
Can I access the castles using public transport?
While specific public transport routes directly to all castles are not detailed, the region of Eure-et-Loir generally has public transport options. For castles like Maintenon Castle, it's recommended to check local bus or train schedules to nearby towns and then consider a short taxi or walk to the castle.
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