Best castles around Famars are situated in a region with a rich historical past, evident in its ancient fortifications and rebuilt structures. The area features a landscape where historical sites blend with natural surroundings, offering opportunities for exploration. Famars itself has a deep history, with evidence of fortifications dating back to the 3rd century. The region provides a setting for discovering various historical architectural styles.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
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The ramparts, built in the Spanish period, were modified by the famous Vauban himself. We can still admire the towers surrounding the city since the seventeenth century, as well as many other monuments: the tower of the Edifieur Baudoin, one of the oldest of all, Caesar Bastion built under Louis XIV the Green stronghold and the headquarters hospital, or the Fauroeulx door, the only one that did not suffer the Second World War and its demolition. The current castle, the Cernay, was built in the seventeenth century, replacing the twelfth century built by Baldwin IV of Hainaut. You can still see some remains of the original castle that served as a residence to Charles the Bold, as a gateway and a set of Romanesque cellars.
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The castle, built in the 12th century by Baldwin IV of Hainaut, was the home of the Counts of Hainaut, also Counts of Holland and Zeeland. Its last sovereign was a woman who was born in the castle in 1401. Charles the Bold and then his daughter were the last sovereigns to reside there. It was then abandoned and almost completely abandoned from the 16th century. Of the prestigious castle of the Middle Ages, few remains remain: an entrance gate and a set of remarkable Romanesque cellars. The current large building called Cernay actually dates from 1681.
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The Palace of Margaret of Burgundy in Le Quesnoy is a historic building that used to serve as the residence of Margaret of Burgundy, Duchess of Bavaria-Straubing and Countess of Hainaut, Holland, Zeeland and Oosterbant. Margaret of Burgundy (1374-1441) was the daughter of Philip the Bold of Burgundy and Margaret of Male. She married William VI of Holland in 1385, and after his death in 1417 she continued to live in Le Quesnoy as a dowager. The palace was one of her favorite residences, and she lived there with her daughter Jacoba of Bavaria. The palace is designed in a Renaissance style with strongly fortified walls and gateways strategically placed to protect the city. The building is built of brick and stone, which is typical of the military architecture of that period.
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One of the most beautiful castles in the North: The Château d’Eth (18th century), built on the site and with the materials of a feudal castle. It is still surrounded by moats.
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Eth Castle dates back to medieval foundations but was rebuilt in 1766. This brick and stone castle is surrounded by water and accessible by three bridges. It presents a homogeneous 18th century architecture with symmetrical facades and recently restored roofs. The estate was formerly the property of the Estreux de Beaugrenier family in the 19th century.
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Interesting place, a former fortress of Vauban.
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Le Quesnoy has an undeniable charm. Its fortifications dating from the 16th century are lined with pleasant little paths and green spaces which invite you to stroll.
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The region around Famars is rich in history. While the historic Château de Famars itself is a private residence, you can explore other significant sites. Le Quesnoy features 16th-century fortifications with a long history. Additionally, the site known as The castle was built in the 12th century by Baldwin IV of Hainaut, though only an entrance gate and Romanesque cellars remain from its medieval grandeur.
Yes, Château d'Eth is a notable example. Rebuilt in 1766 on medieval foundations, this brick and stone castle showcases homogeneous 18th-century architecture, surrounded by water and accessible by three bridges. It has recently restored roofs, offering a glimpse into its past splendor.
The castles in the Famars area display a variety of architectural styles reflecting different historical periods. You'll find fortifications from the 16th century at Le Quesnoy, 18th-century architecture at Château d'Eth, and even Romanesque elements at The castle. The private Château de Famars, though not open to the public, is known for its Gothic-Renaissance style.
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The fortifications of Le Quesnoy offer pleasant paths and green spaces for strolling, making it a good option for families. The site known as The castle is also listed as family-friendly, providing a historical context for children to explore.
The area around Famars offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and running. For example, there are several MTB trails around Famars, including easy to moderate loops like the 'Pavé Artres - Famars sector – Chemin du Menhir loop'. You can explore more options and detailed routes on the MTB Trails around Famars guide, the Gravel biking around Famars guide, or the Running Trails around Famars guide.
While specific hiking trails directly around each castle are not detailed, the fortifications of Le Quesnoy are lined with paths and green spaces that invite visitors to stroll. For more dedicated walking or running, you can find various routes in the broader Famars area, including moderate running loops from Famars itself, as detailed in the Running Trails around Famars guide.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and the opportunity to explore ancient fortifications. For instance, Le Quesnoy is praised for its undeniable charm and pleasant paths. Château d'Eth is often highlighted as one of the most beautiful castles in the North, noted for its 18th-century architecture and surrounding moats.
Yes, the Marguerite of Burgundy Castle in Le Quesnoy is a historic building that served as a residence for Margaret of Burgundy, Duchess of Bavaria-Straubing. It features strongly fortified walls and gateways, typical of the military architecture of its period, built with brick and stone.
The region's historical sites and outdoor activities can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather for exploring the fortifications and trails. While specific winter opening hours for all sites are not available, the mild climate of northern France often allows for visits outside of peak summer, which can also mean fewer crowds.
Yes, Château d'Eth is a beautiful example. This 18th-century brick and stone castle is notably surrounded by water and is accessible via three bridges, giving it a picturesque and classic castle appearance.
Yes, at the site known as The castle, built in the 12th century by Baldwin IV of Hainaut, you can still find remarkable Romanesque cellars, which are among the few remaining parts of the prestigious medieval castle.


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