Alluyes Castle

Alluyes Castle, locally known as Donjon du Château d'Alluyes, lies in the village of the same name in the Eure-et-Loir department in France.

When Alluyes Castle was built, near a crossing over the river Loir, is unclear. A Lord of Alluyes was first mentioned in the 11th century. At present, the oldest part of the castle is the 30-meter high round keep. Some sources state that it dates back to the 12th century, while others say it is from the 13th century based on details in its design.

In the first quarter of the 13th century, it was the Count of Nevers; Hervé de Donzy, who organized the partial filling in of the moat with the diversion of the Loir. A short time later the present castle is said to have been built. Around 1268, the castle was owned by Charles of France, King of Sicily.

The domain passed into the hands of the Count of Bar in 1342. In the late 14th century and in the beginning of the 15th century, Alluyes Castle was occupied by the English. Because Louis of Luxembourg supported the English, he received ownership of the castle in 1418. For this support he was dispossessed later on and the castle passed to Charles V of Anjou who received King Louis XI here in 1463. Later that century it passed to the House of Armagnac.

Florimond II Robertet de Fresne, a Secretary of State, acquired the castle in 1514. It is said to have been visited by Henry IV of France and his mistress Gabrielle d'Estrées in 1591.

Since 1909 Alluyes Castle is home to the Chevallier Debeausse Foundation, a children's home. As thus, it can not be visited, save for National Heritage Days. However, the interior of the keep is permanently closed off due to safety concerns.

A very nice castle remnant. I am very curious about the interior of the keep.

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