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Origin and history

The château d'Avrilly is an ancient castle whose origins probably date back to the 11th century, although its first official mention dates from 1200. Located on the former town of Avrilly, now integrated in Chambois in the Eure, it was a Comtal fortress linked to the Counts of Evreux. Its strategic role was to defend the city of Evreux and control the surrounding roads. The current, well-preserved remains include a castral mound, a dungeon, a bassyard, walls, two towers and 10 metres deep ditches.

The fortress, characteristic of Anglo-Norman architecture of the 11th and 12th centuries, experienced its military climax at the beginning of the Hundred Years War. In 1417, it was destroyed by the English troops after their capture of the village and castle. Despite this destruction, the site has not been rebuilt, but its ruins, protected since 2010 as historical monuments, offer a remarkable testimony of this period. The thick walls of 2 meters and the 15 meters high towers recall its defensive importance.

Between 2012 and 2017, the Association Chantiers Histoire et Architecture Médiévales conducted restoration campaigns to preserve this heritage. The castle, with its total grip (elevations and basement), is today a rare example of a medieval fortress that has not yet been modified. Its intact ditch system and imposing walls make it possible to visualize its original elevation, while marking the landscape of Chambois and its surroundings.

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