Top 3 Castles around Fresnoy-La-Rivière

This castle is simply magnificent and worth a visit too!!!!

The first known castle at a place called la Noue or la Noüe was built at the end of the 10th or at the very beginning of the 11th century in the town of Pisseleux, in the commune of Villers-Cotterêts. It was replaced by another castle built in the 13th century and then in the 15th and 16th centuries, the enclosure, the keep, the dovecote and the turret can still be seen on the facade of the main building. Source: Wikipedia

The oldest building within the grounds of the Château de la Douye is what appears to be part of the “Grand Hôtel” built by King John II the Good in 1344 and partially destroyed during the 100 Years' War. John II liked Bethisy which he called his “desert”. He made numerous stays there. The Château de la Douye is more recent. It is described as a composite manor, made up of two buildings at right angles: one very simple, is from the 17th century; the other contains the chapel whose window with flamboyant tracery retains stained glass. At the intersection a 15th century staircase turret. The history of the castle is little known. The first owners seem to have been the Anthonis, lords of Douye. Around 1475, Gilles Anthonis, Lord of Douye, Baron and Vémars, was Notary and Secretary to King Louis XI and hereditary Gruyer of Béthisy, in the forest of Cuise. Subsequently, for example, it was the turn of Berthelemy (1570), Le Doux (1655) and Beaurain (1762). More recently, La Douye welcomed the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit. Numerous works have now completely transformed the interiors. The stained glass window is also more modern. Around 1820 the arms of Charles VI and VII were visible on the turret and in the chapel. Charles VI, the beloved or the madman, king of France from 1380 to 1422. Charles VII, the victorious, king of France from 1422 to 1461.

The Château de la Douye in Béthisy-Saint-Pierre is a composite manor, formed by two buildings at right angles: one very simple, from the 17th century; the other contains the chapel with flamboyant windows and stained glass. At the intersection there is a 15th century stair turret. The Château de la Douye is surrounded by a large park and faces the two turrets that remain from the medieval castle of King John II the Good, who built the "Grand Hôtel" in 1344 and partially destroyed it during the Hundred Years' War. You can also admire the old mill on the Automne river, which crosses the territory of the commune.

What a powerful facility! No wonder Napoleon III set up his private residence here. Violet le Duc expanded the medieval fortress into a magnificent castle and if you want to experience it on film, you can see it in "The Man with the Iron Mask" (Leonardo the Caprio). Very worthwhile, and of course surrounded by crowds of tourists.

Pierrefonds Castle has many stories to tell. It was built towards the end of the 14th century by the Duke of Orléans. Dismantled in the 17th century and left in ruins for years, it was rebuilt on the orders of Napoleon III. The result is a castle with a medieval and defensive appearance.

Beautiful medieval castle, and beautiful 18th century residence on the other side (company side), accessible by bike or on foot on weekends

A powerful castle complex that has often served as a film set. It towers above the small town by far, but you should rest here and enjoy the atmosphere at the lake, e.g. with an ice cream. A lot of tourism, therefore, one should estimate the time of day well. There is a postcard view on the opposite side of the lake.