The Château de L'Étang is located in the commune of Audigny, in the department of Aisne, a few kilometers southeast of Guise.
Located to the north-east of the small town, it takes the form of a polygonal brick main building with two round towers. Of medieval origin, it was remodeled in the 16th and 17th centuries. On the outskirts of the Oise valley, it belonged to a defensive network also made up of the fortified castle of Guise, the neighboring fortified church of Beaurain and the site of Wiège-Faty.
In the 17th century, it was involved in the battles between the French and the Spanish, and in 1655, the Spanish cavalry commanded by Condé occupied it.
Moats are still visible.
The entrance gate is preceded by a small stone bridge then a drawbridge.
The most remarkable element of the castle is its gatehouse framed by two towers whose sandstone bases are topped with white stone foundations. The upper bricks make up designed decorations.
To the right of the entrance building, a dwelling was built in the 17th century with a stone ground floor. The upper floor is made of brick and the attic under slate roofs also houses several rooms.
Common areas complete the estate, listed in the Inventory, and still private property.
The castle is not open to the public but the exteriors and the overall silhouette, including the gate, can punctuate a hike along a greenway departing from Guise.
Information on +33 3 23 91 30 10.
