Top 5 Castles around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs
Best castles around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs offers a selection of historical sites in the Île-de-France region, west of Paris. The area features a mix of well-preserved châteaux and significant ruins, reflecting centuries of French history. These locations provide insights into military architecture, noble estates, and medieval village life. The landscape around these castles often includes valleys and forested areas.
Best castles around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs
- The most popular castles is Behoust Castle, a castle that is part of a beautiful region with castles…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Ruins of the Château de Beynes
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Donjon and Fortified Site of Montchauvet
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Château de Tilly
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Behoust Castle
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Rosay Castle
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Beautiful castle with a beautiful forest nearby 😉
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a pretty little village not to be missed in the Yvelines: you wouldn't think you were in the suburbs of Paris!
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Estate built in the first third of the 17th century, having preserved its park, its outbuildings and its alley of lime trees from the end of the 18th century. The castle stands opposite the church of Tilly, it was bought and saved from ruin in 1936 by François Delalande, his daughter still occupies it today. It is a beautiful Louis XIII-style residence, flanked by its two towers with an original domed roof, in a six-hectare park entirely surrounded by walls.
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Super beautiful, and well highlighted by the municipality.
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The castle of Beynes is installed in the bottom of a valley. Its construction dates back to the 11th century. It first had a military role at a time when the course of the Mauldre constituted a line of defense of the royal domain, to the west, in particular against the English during the Hundred Years' War. In the 15th century, the castle having lost its strategic importance due to the extension of the royal domain, Robert d'Estouteville, chamberlain of King Charles VII and owner of the premises, made it undergo some modifications, by demolishing the keep and adapting the nascent artillery fortifications. In the 16th century, in 1536, the estate was ceded to Diane de Poitiers (Madame de Valentinois) by Henri II, her royal lover2. She had a new dwelling built by Philibert Delorme, author of the Château des Tuileries, the Château d'Anet or part of that of Chenonceau. The castle is among the first listed with a framework that was a precursor to the principle of glued laminated timber, the technique of which was therefore invented by this great architect3,4. In the 17th century, in 1688, ladies of the high aristocracy gathered there around the mystical Madame Guyon. On October 4, they organized a meeting at the château between Madame Guyon and their spiritual director, the Abbé de Fénelon5. This one becomes one of the most fervent disciples of Madame Guyon6. In the 18th century, the ruins of the castle served for a time as the setting for the English park laid out by the Phélypeaux de Pontchartrain who then owned it. An estimate for its restoration is produced7, its cost probably convinces the owners to leave it as it is. Abandoned then dismantled, it even serves as a quarry for the construction of the village. In 1967, the Château de Beynes was bought by the municipality, which was responsible for saving the estate, which was then buried by vegetation. From 1995 to 1999, it was excavated and then benefited from reinforcement works. In 2014, all the remains were classified as historical monuments 8. At the beginning of June 2016, heavy rains caused the flooding of the moat9,10, and the collapse of a section of the wall. Work, in the form of a subsidized and sponsored volunteer site, is underway to stop its deterioration and allow its access to the public11.
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One of the most beautiful Ile de France villages with its many vestiges.
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Five points to see in this village: the church and its fortifications, the Porte de Bretagne, the wash house, the pink house - which turns out to be a restaurant called 'the green mare', the graves of the six Australian aviators with the messages engraved with their loved ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs?
The area around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs in Île-de-France offers a diverse range of historical structures. You can find well-preserved private châteaux like Château de Tilly, significant ruins such as the Donjon and Fortified Site of Montchauvet which was a battleground during the Hundred Years War, and the extensive Ruins of the Château de Beynes, dating back to the 11th century.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit?
Yes, Behoust Castle is noted as family-friendly. It's located in a charming village in the Yvelines and offers a beautiful setting with a nearby forest, making it suitable for family outings.
What historical significance do the castles in this region hold?
The castles around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs are steeped in history, reflecting centuries of French heritage. Sites like the Donjon and Fortified Site of Montchauvet were active battlegrounds during the Hundred Years War, while the Ruins of the Château de Beynes have a history dating back to the 11th century and were once owned by Diane de Poitiers. These sites offer insights into military architecture, noble estates, and medieval village life.
Can I find castles that are still inhabited or privately owned?
Yes, Château de Tilly is a private residence, a beautiful 17th-century Louis XIII-style château set within a six-hectare park. Similarly, Rosay Castle is a 17th-century castle located in the heart of a private estate, visible from the road.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Running loop from Osmoy' or 'Rosay - Septeuil loop from Mantes-la-Jolie'. For mountain biking, consider routes like the 'Behoust Castle – Pinardière Pond loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy longer routes like the 'Château de Louye – Château de Tilly loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the Running Trails, MTB Trails, and Road Cycling Routes guides around Saint-Martin-Des-Champs.
Are there opportunities for walks or circular routes around the castles?
Yes, many castles are situated in areas conducive to walks. For instance, the Ruins of the Château de Beynes are surrounded by moats and vegetation, offering a scenic walk. The Donjon and Fortified Site of Montchauvet is part of a beautiful village that can be explored on foot, with several historical monuments to see. Additionally, the nearby running and cycling guides often feature loops that pass by or near these historical sites.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this area?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and the picturesque settings of the castles. Many enjoy exploring the ruins, such as those at Château de Beynes, which are partially covered by vegetation and offer a unique atmosphere. The charm of villages like Montchauvet, with its historical vestiges, is also a highlight. The region is often described as 'magnificent' with castles every few kilometers, offering a sense of discovery.
Are there any castles that offer good viewpoints?
While specific viewpoints from within the castles are not detailed, the Donjon and Fortified Site of Montchauvet is accessible by a small climb, suggesting elevated positions that might offer views of the surrounding village and landscape. The general landscape around these castles often includes valleys and forested areas, providing scenic vistas.
Is there a difference between the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs in Paris and the castles in this guide?
Yes, there is a significant difference. The Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs is a historic ecclesiastical complex in Paris, now housing the Musée des Arts et Métiers. The castles featured in this guide, such as Behoust Castle and Château de Tilly, are located in the Île-de-France region, west of Paris, and are distinct historical structures, primarily fortifications or noble residences.
Can I visit the castles during winter?
Information on specific winter opening hours for each site is not provided. However, many historical sites in France, especially ruins or outdoor areas, can be visited year-round, though facilities or guided tours might be limited in the off-season. It's always recommended to check the specific site's official website for current operating hours before planning a winter visit.
Are there any hidden gems among the castles in this region?
While all the listed castles offer unique experiences, the Ruins of the Château de Beynes, with its 11th-century origins and history of abandonment and restoration, offers a particularly atmospheric and less-preserved experience compared to some fully restored châteaux. Its location at the bottom of a valley and its partially overgrown state give it a distinct charm.
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