Château des Tourelles

Nestled in the picturesque town of Vernon in Normandy, France, the Château des Tourelles stands as a testament to medieval architecture and historical resilience. This enchanting castle, dating back to the 13th century, offers visitors a captivating journey through time, from its origins in the Middle Ages to its role in more recent history. With its four distinctive cylindrical turrets and robust stone walls, the Château des Tourelles is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

The Historical Tapestry of Château des Tourelles

The story of Château des Tourelles begins in 1196, during the reign of Philippe Auguste, who commissioned its construction to bolster the defensive network of Vernon. This strategic location on the right bank of the Seine River was crucial for protecting the nearby bridge and controlling access to the region. The castle replaced an earlier fortification possibly built under the rule of Henry I Beauclerc, Duke of Normandy.

The first recorded mention of the castle appears in the royal account of 1202-1203, referring to it as the tower of the bridge. Throughout the Ancien Régime, it remained the property of the châtellenie of Vernon, playing a vital role in the region's defense and administration.

Restorations by Lemoyne de Bellisle

In the late 1750s, the castle changed hands from Charles-Louis-Auguste Fouquet, Duke of Belle-Isle and Gisors, to Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne de Bellisle, an intendant of Duke Louis d’Orléans. Lemoyne de Bellisle undertook an extensive restoration of the castle between 1760 and 1765, leaving a lasting mark on its architecture. His efforts included the addition of new doors and windows, the construction of a monumental spiral staircase in the southern turret, and the replacement of the original battlements with a crenellated parapet.

These restorations were meticulously documented, with an inscription on a stone plaque on the southeast face of the castle reading Restauratum anno domini 1763. Lemoyne de Bellisle's work ensured the castle's preservation and adaptation for future generations.

The Château's Industrial Era

After the restoration, the castle underwent a significant transformation when Lemoyne de Bellisle sold it to an entrepreneur named Planter in 1765 or 1778. Planter converted the castle into a flour mill, making substantial modifications to its structure. The southern enclosure was repurposed as a grain warehouse, and new floors were added above the medieval masonry. Unfortunately, these changes were less sensitive to the castle's historical integrity, resulting in some architectural discordance.

During the French Revolution, the castle served as a prison, and from 1841 to 1849, it functioned as a barracks. In 1854, industrialist Ogerau purchased the castle and transformed it into a tannery. He removed the flour mill's warehouse and added metal beams to reinforce the masonry, further altering the castle's appearance.

War and Reconstruction

The Château des Tourelles endured significant damage during World War II. In 1940, Luftwaffe bombings destroyed the roof, and on August 6, 1944, an Allied bomb obliterated the western turret. The turret was painstakingly reconstructed in two phases: the lower two levels in 1984 by architect Guy Nicot and the upper levels in 1997 by architect Bruno Decaris. The reconstruction aimed to blend historical accuracy with modern techniques, resulting in a harmonious restoration.

In September 2019, further restoration efforts were completed, including the removal of temporary coverings on the south-western façade and turret openings, ensuring the castle's continued preservation.

Architectural Marvels of Château des Tourelles

The Château des Tourelles boasts a unique architectural design. The castle's square plan, with sides measuring 10.50 meters, is flanked by four circular turrets, each 6.3 meters in diameter and 14 meters in height. The turret walls range in thickness from 1.10 to 1.80 meters, constructed from regular Vernon limestone blocks.

The castle comprises three levels: the ground floor, the first floor, and the attic with its chemin de ronde. A spiral staircase in the southern turret provides access to these levels. The ground floor features a small corridor leading to the original spiral staircase, illuminated by narrow windows with semi-circular arches. This level also includes a vaulted corridor in the southern turret, leading to a room that once served as a prison.

The first floor likely housed the castle's main entrance, a rectangular doorway with a semi-circular tympanum. This level's high chamber is a square room with a vaulted ceiling adorned with sculpted leaves and grapevines. The room was originally illuminated by narrow windows set within deep, vaulted embrasures.

Visiting Château des Tourelles

Today, visitors to Château des Tourelles can explore its rich history and architectural marvels. The castle's picturesque location near the Seine River and its well-preserved medieval features make it a captivating destination. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, the Château des Tourelles offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

As you wander through its ancient halls and admire the intricate stonework, you'll be transported back in time to an era of knights, fortresses, and epic battles. The Château des Tourelles stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Normandy's medieval heritage and invites you to uncover the stories that have shaped this remarkable castle.