At the heart of the Puisaye, in Yonne, an architectural gem can be found: Saint-Fargeau Castle, whose first stone was laid in the 10th century. Rebuilt in the 15th century, this majestic pink brick fortress was also remodelled in the 17th century, when Louis XIV's first cousin, Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orléans, known as La Grande Mademoiselle, was forced to stay there. She was sentenced to exile in Saint-Fargeau from 1652 to 1657 following the events of the Fronde.
Now a listed Historic Monument, the castle is open to the public from April to mid-November and offers night-time tours by candlelight in the summer. On Friday and Saturday evenings from mid-July to mid-August, the imposing building flanked by large towers is enhanced by a fabulous sound and light show that tells the story of the site.
Through its elegant inner courtyard redesigned by the architect François Le Vau in the 17th century, its furnished apartments, guard room, chapel, toy loft and recreation of La Grande Mademoiselle's bedroom, visitors travel through ten centuries of history. The highlight of the visit, however, is probably its ancient attics, which form a most impressive whole!
For a nice way to round off this journey through time, enjoy a stroll in the wonderful English country garden-style park spanning 120 hectares. An ornamental lake, centuries-old trees and vintage steam locomotives are among the attractions you can admire on your walk.
A short walk from the castle, the Clock Tower is also worth a look. The only remnant of the first wall that surrounded Saint-Fargeau, this 15th-century belfry offers a beautiful view over the village rooftops and the castle.
