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Origin and history

The castle of the Montils, now in ruins, was built in the 12th century under the impulse of Thibault IV of Blois (known as the Great) to protect the county from enemy incursions, especially those of Sulpice of Amboise around 1144. The site, strategically placed on a rocky spur overlooking the Beuvron, became a stronghold named Castrum de Monticiis, mentioned in the Comtal charters. The circular tower, still visible, served as a central dungeon in a triple enclosure, with an internal well and undergrounds for logistic or defensive use.

In the 14th century, the fortress was restored by Gui de Châtillon and damaged in 1356 during the raids of the Black Prince (Édouard de Woodstock) during the Hundred Years War. Although its direct destruction by the English remains debated, the sources refer to partial dismantling, perhaps by its defenders. The tower, which was 16 metres in diameter, lost its slots but retained its innovative hydraulic system for the time: a cylindrical pipe allowing to climb water from the well from the first floor.

The Wars of Religion (16th century) caused a fatal blow to the castle. In 1614, a report already pointed to "weathers and demolitions" on the walls. Under Louis XIV, the fortress, which had become obsolete, was abandoned and sold in 1697 to Charles de la Vallée, squire and former gentleman of Monsieur, brother of the king. The current remains — tower, debris from enclosures and monumental gate — were classified as a historical monument in 1986.

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