Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Black Falcon dungeon, located in Montbazon in Indre-et-Loire, is a key element of the castral site built at the end of the 10th or early 11th century. Attributed to Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou, he marked the struggle of influence between the houses of Anjou and Blois for control of the Touraine. Built on a rocky promontory overlooking Indre, it controlled land and river tracks. The tower, initially high and massive, was raised and reinforced by embankments, shirts and successive enclosures until the 15th century.

In the Middle Ages, the site welcomed illustrious characters such as Charles VII, Louis XI, Catherine de Medici and Henri de Navarre, before the adjacent Renaissance castle was destroyed in the 18th century. The dungeon, spared despite its disrepair, was restored from the 20th century, notably by William Perry Dudley (1922-1950) and the spouses Atterton (2000s). Ranked a historic monument in 1926, and extended in 2012, the site is now threatened by landslides in the promontory.

The excavations and archaeological studies (notably by Nicolas Faucherre and Marie-Denise Dalayeun) revealed a complex chronology, with phases of construction and redevelopment between the 11th and 15th centuries. The tower, 28 metres high, preserves traces of its medieval use (latrines, bays, partitions) and posterior additions such as a statue of the Virgin (1866) or a concrete belt (1957). Its ground floor, partially filled, and its high floors, very redesigned, make it difficult to accurately reconstruct its original appearance.

The site also included a seigneurial chapel (XII century), successive enclosures (XIII and XV centuries), and a Renaissance castle now extinct. The materials used (silex, limestone, travertine, tuffeau) come mostly from local quarries or re-use. The underground, partially collapsed, probably served as quarries and cellars. Since 2003, the dungeon has been open to the public, managed by the Black Falcon Knights Association, which organizes historical tours and workshops.

Modern restorations aimed to stabilize the structure, while integrating neo-Gothic elements (such as the Lilian Tower). Despite these efforts, risks of collapse persist, weakening the houses below. The dungeon remains a major testimony of medieval military architecture in Touraine, linked to the history of the Counts of Anjou and the feudal conflicts of the region.

Future

The Fortress of Montbazon, known as the Fortress of the Black Falcon, is open to visit much of the year (from April to the end of September).
It beautifully welcomes visitors and especially families by offering them the visit of the fortress and many activities around the Middle Ages trades:

Continuous activities, with Initiation Workshops and Animated Tours (Donjon, Underground, Torture Hall and War Machine Shooting)
Every weekend in April, May, June and September (including bridges), every day from July 1 to August 31.
Doors open at 10am, closing at 7pm.
Nocturnes, every Thursday and Friday of July and August from 7pm.

The Middle Ages
Lively village, day and night *, with initiation workshops and lively tours
The potter, the vannier, the weaver, the dyer, the designer, the calligrapher, the lighting, the coin striker, the cirier, the blacksmith, the bourrelier, the stone sculptor, the herbalist, the tavillonneur, the talmenier and the arbalestrier welcome you in their workshops.

External links