Château de Pierrefonds - Centre des monuments nationaux

Charming, magnificent, magical... there's no shortage of words to describe the atmosphere at Château de Pierrefonds! Protected from view by the forest, the château is a true architectural gem and the masterpiece of architect Viollet-le-Duc. Built in the 15th century on the orders of Louis d'Orléans, it was dismantled two centuries later and left in ruins. Recreated for Napoleon III, Château de Pierrefonds is an ingenious interpretation of the Middle Ages. It stands as the most masterful affirmation of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc's theories in the architect's career. Both a seigneurial dwelling and a fortified castle with a complete defensive system, Château de Pierrefonds houses imperial apartments with medieval-inspired decor. Today, Château de Pierrefonds is one of the must-see monuments in the Oise region! Since January 2022, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux has been restoring the Preuses wing between the Alexandre and Godefroy de Bouillon towers at Château de Pierrefonds. The Salle des Preuses will be closed for the duration of the work, which may entail occasional changes to visitor itineraries.