La Malle Castle

La Malle Castle, locally known as Château de la Malle, lies in a wood next to the village of Saint-Brice-Courcelles in the Marne department in France.

According to a 19th century source, La Malle Castle already existed since the 16th century. In the early 19th century, it was rebuilt in a Louis XVI style on the foundations of its predecessor.

In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War the castle housed the French general Patrice de MacMahon and his staff, and also received Lucien, the 3rd Prince Murat and his officers. The village was partially destroyed during WW I. Also the castle was badly damaged, so it was rebuilt after the war. During WW II La Malle housed French soldiers from Vichy France. In 1943 they were arrested by the Gestapo because they were under suspicion of aiding the resistance. The castle was finally destroyed by a fire in the 1960s.

At present La Malle Castle is a freely accessible ruin in a dense wood. It's not signposted, nor secured, but easy to find. But be careful when exploring the ruin. This may be a more modern 'château' but what can I say; I like ruins!

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