Hauts-de-France · Oise, France

Château de Pierrefonds

Louis d'Orléans' great fortress, slighted in 1617 and left a romantic ruin for two centuries, then spectacularly rebuilt by Viollet-le-Duc for Napoleon III — less a restoration than a dream of what a medieval castle ought to be. A favourite filming location, from Highlander to Merlin.

At a glance

Built: 1393–1407; rebuilt 1857–1885
Style: Medieval castle reimagined in 19th-century romantic Gothic
Commissioned by: Louis d'Orléans; rebuilt for Napoleon III
Signature feature: Viollet-le-Duc's complete romantic reimagining of a medieval fortress
Original builder: Louis d'Orléans, brother of Charles VI (1393–1407)
Slighted: Dismantled on Richelieu's orders, 1617
Ownership: French state (Centre des monuments nationaux)
Visiting: Open to visitors year-round