A Historical Gothic Masterpiece and Fairy-Tale Castle

Château de Pierrefonds is a majestic medieval-style castle located in the Oise department in northern France, near the Compiègne forest, approximately 80 km from Paris. This structure is not only a model of medieval military architecture but also a symbol of 19th-century Romanticism and architectural imagination, restored by the renowned architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc under Napoleon III’s direction. It combines historical authenticity with the 19th-century ideal of a medieval castle, making it one of France’s most iconic castles.

Architectural Style

The architectural style of Château de Pierrefonds is a synthesis of medieval Gothic and Renaissance, transformed in the 19th century in the spirit of Romanticism by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Originally built in the 14th century, the castle reflected Gothic military architecture with defensive elements such as towers, ramparts, and a drawbridge. However, Viollet-le-Duc’s restoration (1857–1885) added a Romantic interpretation of medieval architecture, incorporating decorative elements that blend Gothic pointed arches, stained glass, and sculptures with Renaissance-inspired details like opulent interiors and heraldic motifs. Interiors, such as the Salle des Preuses, also feature early Art Nouveau elements characteristic of Viollet-le-Duc’s creative approach. Thus, the castle is a unique blend of Neogothic and Romanticism, reflecting both historical and imaginative medieval aesthetics.

Historical Facts

Initial Construction (12th–14th Century)

The first castle on this site was built in the 12th century under the management of the Nivelon family, part of the Valois county. In 1392, King Charles VI granted the Valois county to his brother Louis of Orléans (Louis I, Duke of Orléans), who, from 1393 to 1407, constructed a new, grandiose castle. Designed by the royal court architect Jean le Noir, it served as a strategic fortress to control trade routes between Burgundy and Flanders, then under the control of the Orléans family’s rivals, the Dukes of Burgundy.

Destruction (1617)

In the early 17th century, during Louis XIII’s reign, the castle belonged to François-Annibal d’Estrées, who joined a rebellion against the king. Cardinal Richelieu ordered its destruction to prevent its use as a rebel stronghold. However, complete demolition was impossible due to the immense scope of work, and the castle remained in ruins for over two centuries.

Romanticism and Napoleon I

The 19th-century Romantic movement revived interest in medieval architecture. In 1810, Napoleon I purchased the castle ruins for less than 3,000 francs. In 1832, King Louis-Philippe held a banquet at the castle for his daughter’s wedding to King Leopold I of Belgium, drawing attention to the ruins as a Romantic symbol. They were depicted by artists, including Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot.

Restoration under Napoleon III (1857–1885)

In 1850, the future Emperor Napoleon III visited the ruins and, in 1857, commissioned Eugène Viollet-le-Duc to restore them. Initially, a partial restoration was planned to preserve the “picturesque ruins,” but in 1861, Napoleon III decided to transform the castle into a luxurious imperial residence. Viollet-le-Duc not only restored but created an idealized medieval castle, blending Gothic and Renaissance elements. He wrote that restoration meant “creating a perfect form that may never have existed.” Work continued until 1885 but was not completed due to lack of funds, leaving the interior unfinished. The project cost over 5 million francs, with 75% funded by Napoleon III’s personal resources.

Key Figures

• Louis of Orléans (1372–1407): A representative of the royal Orléans dynasty, he built the castle as a symbol of power and prestige. Under his leadership, it became one of the most significant medieval fortresses.

• Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814–1879): The renowned architect who restored not only Château de Pierrefonds but also worked on projects like Notre-Dame de Paris and the Carcassonne fortress. His creative approach sparked controversy—some viewed his work as “theatrical decoration,” while others admired his imagination and skill.

• Napoleon III (1808–1873): Emperor of France, whose vision transformed the ruins into a luxurious residence. His decision and financial support made the castle a 19th-century architectural masterpiece.

• Prosper Mérimée: Writer and inspector of historical monuments, who recommended Viollet-le-Duc as the restoration project leader.

• Empress Eugénie: It is believed she influenced Napoleon III’s choice to restore this castle, rather than Château de Lavardin, through a clever trick (writing “Pierrefonds” on both lottery tickets).

Interesting Facts Today

Château de Pierrefonds has become a favored filming location for movies and series due to its fairy-tale appearance.

• “Beauty and the Beast” (La Belle et la Bête, 1946): The castle served as the Beast’s magical residence, where Jean Cocteau used its Gothic and Renaissance elements to create a surreal and poetic atmosphere. While most filming took place at Château de Raray, some scenes were shot at Pierrefonds to emphasize the castle’s mystical aura.

• “The Two-Headed Eagle” (L'Aigle à deux têtes, 1948): In this film, based on Cocteau’s own play, Château de Pierrefonds was the primary filming location, depicting a fictional kingdom’s palace. Starring Jean Marais and Edwige Feuillère, the film tells a tragic love story between a queen and an assassin, with the castle’s architecture enhancing the story’s dramatic and symbolic atmosphere.

• The castle served as Camelot in the BBC series Merlin (2008–2012) and was used in films like The Man in the Iron Mask (1998), The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), Les Visiteurs (1993), Highlander: The Series, and Versailles (2017). Its image also inspired Walt Disney’s fairy-tale castles, such as those in Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella.
  Today, the castle is managed by the French National Monuments Center (Centre des Monuments Nationaux) and is open to visitors as a significant historical museum. It attracts thousands of tourists who admire its architecture, lavish interiors, and the surrounding Compiègne forest landscape.
  The castle’s interiors remain unfinished due to a lack of funds, leaving many rooms without the furniture and decorations planned by Viollet-le-Duc. This, however, adds a unique charm, blending medieval and 19th-century aesthetics.
  The castle is renowned for its colorful interiors, including the Salle des Preuses, which features a monumental fireplace with statues of nine “warrior maidens,” led by Semiramis, who resembles Empress Eugénie. The rooms are adorned with heraldic motifs, fantastical animals, and Art Nouveau elements.
  Visitors can explore the castle, viewing its grand halls, chapel, and cellars, where historical artifacts and a model of the 1878 Paris World’s Fair are displayed. Children are offered a special booklet encouraging them to “hunt” for animal images in the castle, making the visit interactive.

Practical Information

• Location: Pierrefonds, Oise department, Hauts-de-France region, France.

• Opening Hours: May to early September: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM; September to April: 10:00 AM–5:30 PM. Closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.

• How to Get There: From Paris, take a train from Gare du Nord to Compiègne (about 1 hour), then a taxi or bus (lines 27 or 27-28) to Pierrefonds (20 minutes). By car, take the A1 or N2 highways from Paris (about 1 hour). This tip may be useful for anyone in Paris looking to visit something nearby.

• Admission Fee: Adults ~€6.50, children under 18 free, groups ~€5.30. Combined tickets with other regional monuments, such as Cité Internationale de la Langue Française in Villers-Cotterêts, are available.
  
  Welcome to discover the fantastically beautiful history of Europe!