Château de Brie-Comte-Robert- masonry 3

As part of the overall restoration project, a systematic raising of the dividing walls of the seigniorial dwelling has been undertaken. As part of the enhancement of the site, this will make it possible to install an elevated walkway, accessible to the public, giving access to the entire seigniorial dwelling and to the second floor of the towers.

After careful study of the construction techniques used at the château, we will raise a wall to a height of 4 meters. Brie limestone rubble will be head-straightened before being laid in successive courses.

The site

The medieval château de Brie-Comte-Robert is located on a small island in the heart of a small, traditional town. Square in plan and surrounded by a moat, it is gradually becoming a major center of Île-de-France heritage, thanks to the regular efforts of the association.International volunteer workcamps and technical training courses take place here throughout the year.

Mid-12th century

Count Robert 1er de Dreux, brother of King Louis VII of France, had the Château de Brie built around 1160 to assert his power. This fortress foreshadowed the castles built in the 13th century by Philippe II-Auguste, King of France from 1180 to 1223. It's a square enclosure, encircled by water ditches, with six circular towers and two square gate towers. The seigniorial buildings and outbuildings, set against the curtain walls, surround a central courtyard.

14th century - 20th century

After the death of her husband Charles IV le Bel, the last direct Capetian king (1294 - 1328), Jeanne d'Evreux came regularly to her château in Brie. She lavishly renovated the château-fortress into a château-residence. Numerous alterations improved comfort. She died there in 1371 at the age of 70. After the damage caused by the Hundred Years' War and a major reconstruction of the seigniorial dwelling in Renaissance style, the château, occupied by lords who took little care of it, slowly fell into oblivion.

Since 1982

The commune, which owns the site, has been carrying out a major development campaign, including partial cleaning of the moat and lowering of the lices, to enhance this exceptional site. The Friends of the Old Castle association immediately took over, continuing the municipal action and undertaking a programmed archaeological excavation and enhancement of the castle. Since then, a permanent work site has been set up to study and restore the castle. More than 1,000 volunteers have already taken part in the renovation, and technical training courses are also offered on a regular basis. A major new restoration and enhancement campaign is now underway, and the association is embarking on a number of important new projects.

Leisure activities

Break one day a week

Day trips to heritage sites

Swimming pool available

The château is closed in the evenings and is fully available to trainees for group activities.