Best castles around Leury offers a journey through historical sites, primarily located in the Aisne department of France, near Soissons. This region is characterized by its medieval architecture and historical significance, featuring structures dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Visitors can explore ruins and well-preserved keeps that bear witness to centuries of history. The area provides a blend of cultural exploration and opportunities to appreciate the local landscape.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Located in the Aisne region, Septmonts Castle was originally the country residence of the bishops of Soissons. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, it retains several original features, such as the so-called Saint-Louis Room. Visitors can discover a 14th-century keep and square tower, as well as a 16th-century Renaissance pavilion. Bombed during the First World War, Septmonts Castle is now classified as a historical monument for its chapel and keep, and an inscription for the rest of the buildings. The impressive keep is over forty meters high and consists of seven stories of complex architecture. Septmonts Castle itself is adorned with a park featuring an arboretum and an orchard. The entire complex is open to the public, and the Renaissance residence also hosts temporary exhibitions. Every June, the site hosts the Pic'Arts rock festival concerts.
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The Château de Pernant is a modest-sized medieval fortress located in Pernant, in the Soissonnais region of France. It is the historic monumental part of a larger whole, the Pernant estate, which serves as a cultural and musical center. The castle dates from the 14th/15th century and was rebuilt in the 16th century. During the First World War the area was bombed, causing extensive damage to the castle.
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The Donjon de Septmonts is a medieval tower in the French village of Septmonts, located near Soissons, in the Hauts-de-France region. The tower was built in the 14th century and was originally part of a castle that served as a residence for the bishops of Soissons. The tower is 47 meters high and has seven floors. It is a striking example of the princely style of the late 14th century, combining both military and residential functions. The tower is currently undergoing a restoration programme.
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Coucy Castle is a magnificent castle built in the 13th century by Enguerrand III, Lord of Coucy. It was one of the largest and most impressive castles in Europe, with a massive keep and four towers dominating the landscape. The castle was partially destroyed during the First World War, but its ruins still bear witness to its past glory. You can discover the castle and its history by participating in the Trail Enguerrand, a running race that takes you around the castle and its surroundings. The race is 30 km long, with 700 m of altitude difference, and it offers breathtaking views of the castle and the countryside. You can also opt for a shorter distance of 15 km, with 370 m of elevation gain. The race takes place in April and you can register online on the official website. By hiking this trail, you will not only get a good workout, but also a cultural and historical experience.
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The Keep of Septmonts is a 14th century tower which was once the residence of the bishops of Soissons. The tower is 45 meters high and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. You can also explore the park and arboretum surrounding the tower, where you will find a variety of trees, plants and flowers from different continents. The park also has a picnic area, playground and vineyard that reflects the local wine heritage. The Donjon de Septmonts is open every day from May to September and on weekends the rest of the year. Entrance is free and you can enjoy a guided tour or a self-guided tour with an audio guide. The Donjon de Septmonts is a privileged place to discover the history and nature of this charming village in Aisne.
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Pernant Castle is a medieval castle that stands on a hill overlooking the valley. The castle dates from the 14th century and was partially destroyed during the First World War. You can explore the castle ruins and its underground outbuildings, which were once quarries.
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The park is open and invites you to rest and have a picnic. The old walls all around provide the necessary medieval ambience. Is otherwise very quiet here, pleasant area a little further out.
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Pretty ruins of the Château de Coucy, impressive from afar and from close up.
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Several castles in the region offer a great experience for families. Both Coucy Castle and Septmont Keep are categorized as family-friendly. Septmonts Castle, which includes the Keep, features a park with an arboretum and orchard, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.
The castles around Leury are rich in history. Coucy Castle, built in the 13th century by Enguerrand III, was once one of Europe's largest castles. Its ruins bear witness to its past glory and partial destruction during the First World War. Septmont Keep, a 14th-century medieval tower, was part of a castle that served as a residence for the bishops of Soissons, showcasing princely architecture. Pernant Castle, dating from the 14th century, also suffered damage in WWI and offers a glimpse into medieval life and its underground outbuildings.
Yes, Coucy Castle is noted as a viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the castle and the surrounding countryside. The massive keep and four towers of Coucy dominate the landscape, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Absolutely. The region around Leury offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore routes like the "Saint-Gobain Caves – Cross-country area with jumps loop from Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique" or the "Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique – Château de Coucy loop from Osly-Courtil" for gravel biking. For mountain biking, consider the "Pernant Castle — 700 years – Vic-sur-Aisne Castle loop from Crouy." You can find more details on these and other routes in the Gravel biking around Leury, Traffic-free bike rides around Leury, and MTB Trails around Leury guides.
While specific seasonal visiting information for all castles isn't provided, the region offers pleasant conditions for exploration during spring and summer. For example, the Trail Enguerrand running race around Coucy Castle takes place in April, suggesting good weather for outdoor activities. Septmonts Castle also hosts the Pic'Arts rock festival concerts every June, indicating a lively atmosphere during early summer.
Yes, Septmonts Castle hosts the Pic'Arts rock festival concerts every June, offering a unique cultural experience. Additionally, the Trail Enguerrand, a running race, takes place around Coucy Castle in April, combining sport with historical exploration.
Yes, the park surrounding Septmonts Castle is open and invites visitors to rest and have a picnic, providing a pleasant medieval ambiance with its old walls.
Coucy Castle is open daily, typically from two o'clock. It is advisable to check their official website for the most current opening times before your visit.
At Septmonts Castle, you can find a testimony left by Victor Hugo himself behind a door, as he visited the "admirable 14th century chatelet" in 1835. The impressive keep is over forty meters high and consists of seven stories of complex architecture, and the castle also features a 16th-century Renaissance pavilion.
The region around the castles offers natural beauty, such as the charming valley where Septmonts Castle is located. Septmonts Castle itself is adorned with a park featuring an arboretum and an orchard. Pernant Castle stands on a hill overlooking a valley, providing scenic views.
Yes, the Donjon de Septmonts (Septmont Keep) is currently undergoing a restoration program to preserve its 14th-century structure.


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