Some important remnants of the XVth century château de Folleville are left, including an imposing watch-tower.

The present ruins are the remains of a fortified dwelling, built by Jean II of Folleville, adviser to King Charles VI and Grand Provost of Paris from 1388 to 1401. They consist of a polygonal platform surrounded by a large moat. On the left of the fortified entrance stands the main building which forms a triangle 23 metres by 11 metres, three corners of which are supported by circular towers. The whole was previously covered with a single attic with two slopes and stone gables. The absence of the 4th tower is explained by the existence of a wing which no longer stands. This fortified dwelling is a small-scale version of the keep at Sully sur Loire. Like the latter, the 3 inhabitable levels at Folleville are shared between rooms and bedrooms built with casement bay windows, the other bedrooms being located in the towers. They were accessed via a spiral staircase housed in a outer turret on the facade. One of the curiosities of Folleville is its watch-turret rising up from one of its towers. The whole gives the impression of a horseshoe, a hexagon and a dodecagon piled one on top of the other and supported by moulded corbels.

 History of the building
Folleville has suffered many trials and tribulations in its history. The original feudal castle was burned down during the peasant revolt of 1358. The present ruins are from the section rebuilt at the end of the XIVth century by Jean II of Folleville. The castle was attacked on many occasions during the Hundred Years War. It had to surrender in 1440 to the field artillery of the famous English captain Talbot. It was bought and partially demolished by the Burgundians in order to put an end to the abuses committed in the region by the English. It was only in 1478 that work was begun to put the castle back to what it was. A wing, now disappeared, was added at that time.

Practical info

Opening times
From 16/03 to 14/10 : Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am-12 am (by prior appointment) and 2 pm-7 pm (end of the visits).
From 15/10 to 15/03 : Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am-12 am (by prior appointment) and 2 pm-5 pm (end of the visits).

Prices
Unaccompanied tour :
Adults : 2.30 €
Students : 1.50 €
Children (under 12) : free

Guided tour :
Adults : 3 €
Students : 1.50 €
Children (under 12) : free

Folleville Site Association
2, rue Saint Vincent - 80250 FOLLEVILLE
Tel / Fax : +33 (0)3 22 41 49 52
E-mail : sitedefolleville@aol.com