First certificate XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Existence of the castle mentioned for the first time.
1358
Destruction by the English
Destruction by the English 1358 (≈ 1358)
Castle ruined during the war.
1389-1457
Medieval reconstruction
Medieval reconstruction 1389-1457 (≈ 1423)
Castle built after destruction.
1427
Stay in Saint-Louis
Stay in Saint-Louis 1427 (≈ 1427)
Royal visit attested to the castle.
1493
Stay of Charles VIII
Stay of Charles VIII 1493 (≈ 1493)
King and Anne of Brittany present.
vers 1880
West Tower collapse
West Tower collapse vers 1880 (≈ 1880)
Replaced by a terrace later.
12 janvier 1931
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 12 janvier 1931 (≈ 1931)
Official protection of the castle.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Saint-Louis - King of France
Stayed at the castle in 1427.
Charles VIII - King of France
Visited the castle in 1493.
Anne de Bretagne - Queen of France
Accompanied Charles VIII in 1493.
Origin and history
The castle of Courcelles-le-Roi was attested in the 12th century, although its first structure was destroyed by the English in 1358. Its reconstruction ran from 1389 to 1457, transforming the original building into a medieval castle. This strategic site welcomed royal figures, including Saint-Louis in 1427, Charles VIII in 1493, and Anne of Brittany, highlighting its political and military importance at that time.
In the 16th century, the castle was partially reduced to a mansion, keeping in particular the former dungeon. The 17th century saw the redesign of the front door, replacing an older structure. The modifications continued in the 19th century with partial restorations, but also destructions, such as the collapse of the west tower around 1880, replaced by a terrace, and the addition of a south-west scald.
The 20th century marked a period of partial decline: the ditches were filled, the southeast tower demolished to serve as a career, and restoration work was undertaken. Ranked Historic Monument by decree of 12 January 1931, the castle is today the subject of continuous consolidations to preserve its complex architectural heritage, witness to nearly nine centuries of history.
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Future
Nowadays, the Castle reports a partial renovation on the ground floor thanks to the fantastic work done by Monsieur and Madame Captain over the past 20 years. After centuries, the Château de Courcelles-Le-Roi continues to live and gradually regains its former grandeur...
