Vestiges du Château de Retz

What secrets do the stones whisper at the Vestiges du Château de Retz? These crumbling ruins, nestled in the French countryside, hold tales of medieval power and destruction. The Vestiges du Château de Retz, once known as the “Chastel de Roye”, was built around 1215 by Barthélémy de Roye after his return from the Battle of Bouvines. Originally a grand manor in the heart of the Cruye Forest, the Château de Retz became a vital fortress during the Hundred Years’ War. It stood as a bulwark against English aggression, part of a five-castle defense line protecting Paris. The other fortresses in this line included Hennemont, Bethemont, La Montjoie, and Sainte-Gemme. The château’s presence gave rise to a small hamlet named Saint-Jacques de Retz, which later became part of Chambourcy in 1790. Tragedy struck in 1346 when the English, led by the “Black Prince,” burned the Château de Retz and the nearby Joyenval Abbey. King Charles V, known as “Charles the Wise”, later restored the castle and often stayed within its walls. Charles VI and Isabeau de Bavière also occasionally resided there. Yet, the château was not spared further violence. In 1431, both the castle and the village of Saint-Jacques de Retz were attacked once again by the English. Around 1485, King Louis XI gifted the seigneurie of Retz to his chief squire and cook, Pierre Cœuret. Despite this change in ownership, the Château de Retz met its final demise in the 17th century, destroyed under the reign of Louis XIV. By this time, only sections of walls and the keep remained. These ruins were further dismantled during the reign of Louis XV to make way for hunting grounds in the Marly forest. Today, what we see at the Vestiges du Château de Retz are the faint echoes of this once-mighty fortress. The name itself, “Retz,” evolved from “Roye” over centuries of changing pronunciations. The current name is a substitution linked to the Gondi family, who held the ducal title of Retz and owned the Marly forest. The remnants of the Château de Retz lie north of Valmartin, close to the A13 Normandy motorway and the GR1 hiking trail. A brief excavation in 1993 revealed portions of the outer walls, towers, and rooms with ogive arches. The moats remain, outlining the original square shape of the castle, approximately 65 meters per side within the moat and 80 meters overall. Some legends speak of a tunnel connecting the Château de Retz to the Sainte-Gemme castle. These tunnels, filled with sand and prone to collapse, have become a part of the local lore, adding a touch of mystery to the vestiges that remain.