Best castles around Broué offer a glimpse into the region's rich historical past. Located in a landscape characterized by its historical architecture and rural charm, Broué provides a setting for exploring ancient structures. The area features a variety of historical sites, from well-preserved châteaux to ancient keeps and castle ruins. These sites are often nestled within green fields and along waterways, providing a serene backdrop for historical exploration.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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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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Built at the end of the 12th century by the Counts of Montfort and listed as a Historic Monument since 1889, the Houdan Tower was used to watch for enemies and defend the territory. The Keep consists of a 15 m diameter and 21 m high tower, flanked by four turrets of the same height located at the four cardinal points. From the 16th century until the French Revolution, the Keep served as a prison, and executions took place at the foot of the Tower. The first water reservoir was installed in the tower in 1880. The second, built in 1952, is still visible. Tours are available on certain days.
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Very nice windmill, especially in good weather!
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Monument dating from the end of the 12th century
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The Tower (commonly called "The Dungeon"), built in the 12th century under the reign of the Counts of Montfort, and classified as a Historic Monument since 1840, had the function of watching out for enemies and defending the territory. But in reality, it mainly had a dissuasive role since it was reputed to be impregnable. Built on the site of an old Merovingian necropolis, it originally consisted of an enclosure and a main tower. The enclosure, which has now disappeared, had a circular turret intended for the defense of the gate. The access door, located 4 meters from the ground then raised in the 15th century to 6 meters, was the only access to the large room on the 1st floor reserved for the military chief. It was accessed via a drawbridge.
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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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At the beginning of the road, you will see the old remains of the castle. Only the surrounding wall and two towers have survived the times. But take the time to admire these
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Around the 10th century, the Château de Mormoulins stood in the middle of the marshes and was reached from Chaudon by a sandstone path whose foundations still exist. The marshes were filled in over the centuries to become meadows. In 1774, the Receiver General of Finance of Picardy, brother-in-law of Pompadour, acquired it. It was he who dug the canals still visible today. In 1781, the owner was Mr. Fergeol de Villers, whose widow ceded the ruins of the castle in 1817 to Mr. du Temple de Chevrigny. At that time, what remained of the castle was undermined by annual floods, and Mr. du Temple de Chevrigny had to resign himself to razing the whole place, which is when the current castle was built... It is now apparently the holiday resort of the town of Saint-Ouen.
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The region offers several historically significant castles. Château de Mormoulins dates back to the 10th century, originally surrounded by marshes. The Donjon of Houdan is a 12th-century defensive tower, classified as a Historic Monument, which served as a watchtower and later a prison. Chateau de Bourdonné, initially from the 17th century, has a chapel and grounds also classified as historical monuments.
Yes, Château d'Abondant is noted as family-friendly, offering a calm park behind the castle to enjoy. The Remains of Fremont Castle, with its surviving wall and two towers, can also be an interesting historical site for families to explore.
The area around Broué offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy routes like the 'Dolmen on the Island loop from Écluzelles'. There are also cycling routes, such as the 'Plan d'eau d'Ecluzelles loop from Mézières-en-Drouais', and running trails for those looking for a jog.
Yes, for easy walks, consider exploring the grounds around Château d'Abondant, which has a calm park. For a dedicated walking route, the 'Dolmen on the Island loop from Écluzelles' is an easy hiking option available in the broader area, which can be combined with a castle visit.
The castles around Broué, nestled within green fields and along waterways, are generally pleasant to visit during spring and summer when the weather is mild and the natural surroundings are in full bloom. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Always check specific opening hours for individual sites.
Many castles in the region are situated within picturesque landscapes. For instance, Château de Mormoulins is surrounded by green fields and canals, offering scenic views. The rural charm of Broué means that many of these historical structures provide excellent photographic opportunities from various vantage points in the surrounding countryside.
While popular sites like Château de Mormoulins and The Donjon of Houdan attract visitors, exploring the Remains of Fremont Castle or the park of Château d'Abondant might offer a quieter experience, especially during off-peak hours or weekdays.
For castle walks and exploring the surrounding areas, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, as you may encounter varied terrain, from paved paths to grassy fields. Dressing in layers is advisable, as weather conditions can change, and bringing a light jacket or rain protection is always a good idea, especially outside of peak summer.
The duration of a visit can vary. For a site like The Donjon of Houdan, which is a defensive tower, a visit might take 1-2 hours, especially if tours are available. Larger estates like Chateau de Bourdonné or Château d'Abondant, with their parks and grounds, could easily fill 2-3 hours or more if you wish to explore thoroughly.
Château de Mormoulins is particularly notable for its historical connection to marshes and the canals dug in the 18th century, which are still visible today. The castle is set amidst green fields, offering a serene natural backdrop. Chateau de Bourdonné also features a moat and a park.
The castles around Broué offer a deep dive into local history. Château de Mormoulins dates to the 10th century, with its history tied to marshland and later 18th-century canals. The Donjon of Houdan, built in the 12th century by the Counts of Montfort, served as a watchtower and prison. Château d'Abondant, a 16th-century Louis XIII style castle, has a rich past, including periods as a medical-social establishment. Chateau de Bourdonné, from the 17th century, has been enlarged and remodeled over time, with its chapel and grounds classified as historical monuments.


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