Château de la Madeleine

The imposing silhouette of the Château de la Madeleine stands before you, a monument to the past, whispering tales of lords and ladies, of battles and sieges, of a rich history interwoven with the fabric of France. You’re looking at a true medieval fortress, built between the 11th and 14th centuries to protect Chevreuse against attacks. The name comes from the castle’s chapel, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. Its keep, a testament to the medieval era, still dominates the town of Chevreuse. It’s one of the best-preserved keeps in the whole Ile-de-France region. Even today, the Château de la Madeleine stands as a symbol of resilience, having weathered the storms of time, including the Hundred Years’ War. Within its walls, battles were fought and treaties signed. During the latter part of the 15th century, Louis XI, the last king of the Valois dynasty, oversaw significant improvements to the fortifications, including raising the curtain walls to 11 feet high. This was made possible thanks to royal taxes, which were a major contribution to the castle’s strengthening. Not just the castle, but the village itself was fortified. A crenelated rampart, 3.5 meters high with turrets, was built, further strengthening Chevreuse. But in the 14th century, the castle was sold by Ingerger le Grand, Lord of Chevreuse and Amboise, to the future Pierre de Chevreuse. He was a prisoner of the English during the Hundred Years’ War and had to sell his domain to pay his ransom. In 1661, Jean Racine, a famous French playwright, oversaw modifications to the keep. It is because of him that the road leading to the castle is known as the “Chemin Jean Racine.” In the 20th century, the Château de la Madeleine housed the regional natural park headquarters. The park has blended modern architecture with the ancient castle, preserving the history of the site. Today, you can walk the battlements, explore the keep and witness the impressive machicolations still standing strong. The Château de la Madeleine silently speaks volumes about France’s rich and turbulent history, offering a glimpse into a time when castles ruled the land.