Top 4 Castles around Saint-Martin-Du-Tartre

For a deep dive into medieval history, Sercy Castle is an excellent choice. It's known as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the region and features a Romanesque chapel. Its history includes the poignant story of its owner, Claude Perroy de La Foretille, and how the castle remained within the same family for generations.

Yes, La Serrée Castle, dating from the 15th century, is notable for its design. It features buildings surrounding a rectangular courtyard, accessed by a porch tower flanked by a round tower and a staircase turret. You'll also find residential buildings with corner towers and a large round dovecote tower.

Pontus de Tyard Castle, a picturesque 13th-century structure located next to a 12th-century Romanesque church, is open to the public and well worth a visit.

The area around Saint-Martin-Du-Tartre offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the moderate 'Château de Pontus de Tyard — loop by Culles-les-Roches' (14.5 km). For those who enjoy running, there are running trails, including more challenging options like the 'Crainseny Viaduct – Fley loop from Culles-les-Roches' (17.3 km). Cyclists can explore cycling routes, with distances up to 107 km for a full day out.

Château de Bourboux is a small 15th-century brick castle that has largely retained its original form as it has not undergone significant restoration. It features a main residential building between two large square towers with elegant mullioned windows and some medieval wrought-iron grilles still intact.

Visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their surroundings. The milder temperatures are also ideal for combining your visit with outdoor activities like hiking or cycling in the region.

Yes, Sercy Castle is notable for its well-preserved Romanesque chapel, adding to its historical significance as one of the region's best-preserved medieval castles.

Pontus de Tyard Castle is described as picturesque, built in the 13th century right next to a 12th-century Romanesque church, offering a charming historical setting.

The castles in this region offer insights into medieval architecture, the lives of former inhabitants, and significant historical events. For example, Sercy Castle has a rich history, including the story of its owner, Claude Perroy de La Foretille, who was among the last to be guillotined in 1793, yet the castle remained within his family.

Yes, La Serrée Castle is located in the nearby town of Curtil-sous-Burnand. This 15th-century castle is characterized by its unique courtyard design and various towers, including a porch tower and a large round dovecote tower.

The castles in this region, such as Sercy Castle and Château de Bourboux, offer a glimpse into medieval architecture that has either been exceptionally well-preserved or has largely retained its original form without extensive restoration. This provides an authentic historical experience, often with unique architectural details like Romanesque chapels or original wrought-iron grilles.