Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Tourelles Castle, located in Vernon (Eure), is a 13th century military building, probably built during the reign of Philippe-Auguste during the city's reconquest. It replaces an older work, perhaps dating from the Duke Henri I of Normandy, and aimed at strengthening Vernon's defence on the right bank of the Seine, protecting the bridge. Unlike conventional devices, it is located parallel to the bridge, northwest side, not across. Originally, it consisted of a square dungeon flanked by four cylindrical turrets, surrounded by courtines and moat. Its architecture includes a vaulted hall on the first floor, decorated with vegetal sculptures and human heads, and a chapel on the second floor, with veins supported by angel heads.

Over the centuries, the castle underwent several transformations. In 1760, the Marshal of Belle-Isle, governor of Vernon, gave him to M. Le Moine de Belle-Isle, who restored him in 1763 (date engraved on the west facade): crenelages disappeared, replaced by a roof in a pavilion and conical cutlery in slate. In 1778 it was sold to a miller, Planter, who converted it into a store and accomodation, piercing wide openings and closing the archeries. During the Revolution he served as a prison, then as a barracks (1841–49). In the 19th century it became a mill, then a tannery under Ogerau (1854). Damaged by bombings in 1940 and 1944, it was restored in 1959–60 and acquired by the city of Vernon in 1955.

The Château des Tourelles has been a listed site since 1943, with the old mill, bridge and nearby islands. Its dungeon, classified as Historical Monument in 1945, illustrates the evolution of medieval fortifications and their reuse throughout the epochs, from Anglo-French conflicts to modern industrial activities. The remains of the moat and the reconstruction projects of the West Tower demonstrate its heritage importance to Vernon and Normandy.

Future

The Chateau des Tourelles served as a frame for the film Les grands vacances avec Louis de Funès

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