The Castle, 10 centuries of history
« Approaching the pretty market burg of Crèvecœur, I spotted a fairly high tower on a
hillock, through the dense foliage of several thick trees, with walls forming an enceinte and
various edifices that were obviously several centuries old. I had arrived at Crèvecœur castle. »
M.F. Demiau de Crouzillac
« Crèvecœur castle » 1859
A unique example of a small French castle that has been miraculously preserved, Crèvecœur has
survived to this day, practically intact.
The inner bailey is protected by the moat, the motte and its curtain wall dating
back to the 12th century, slashed with arrow slits. The only way across to the inner bailey, and
thus the lord’s dwelling-place, is a single footbridge.
The importance of farming is immediately obvious. There is a farm, a dovecote and a barn in
the outer bailey, forming a very fine example of regional constructions built
using timber panelling. Originally protected by a talus topped with a wooden palisade, it was the
place where villagers could take refuge in the event of an attack.
It recounts the medieval history of Normandy, vibrant, moving, captivating! Almost ten centuries
of history, recorded in documents and objects having survived to the present day, since the 12th
century, which was an auspicious period of donations to abbeys, through to the publication in the
19th century of a book relating the history of the Englishmen’s treasure.
