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Origin and history

Montrichard Castle, built in the early 11th century, was originally a wooden tower built by Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou, to counter Eudes II de Blois. Confed to Roger the Devil, he became a key military issue in the conflicts between Counts of Anjou and Blois. The fortress was enlarged in the 12th century by Hugues I of Amboise after its capture in 1109, marking its passage under the control of the lords of Amboise.

In 1188, Philippe Auguste besieged and partially destroyed the castle, which nevertheless remained a strategic bastion for the d'Amboise family. He was transferred by marriage to the Harcourts at the end of the Middle Ages, and in 1461 he was transferred to Louis XI, who celebrated the marriages of his daughters. During the Hundred Years' War, he suffered an English attack in 1356 during the riding of the Black Prince.

Architecturally, the castle consists of a 12th century square dungeon surrounded by a double enclosure, overlooking the Cher and the medieval village. Ranked a historic monument in 1877, its ruins testify to its defensive and political role between Loire and Cher, on a major road linking Blois and Loches. The fortress was guarding a bridge (or ancient ford) 35 km east of Tours, highlighting its regional strategic importance.

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