Chateau Fort de Sedan

An Impregnable Fortress Spread over seven levels and covering an area of ​​35,000 m², the Château Fort de Sedan is a masterpiece of military architecture. Built starting in 1424 by Évrard de La Marck, it was continually expanded over the centuries to adapt to advancements in artillery. Its walls, reaching thicknesses of over 25 meters in places, bear witness to its defensive purpose: protecting the principality of Sedan against the ambitions of neighboring great powers. Unlike many castles transformed into pleasure residences during the Renaissance, Sedan has retained its massive and warlike appearance, still intimidating anyone who crosses its moat today. Exploring the site immerses visitors in the private world of the Princes of Sedan. Wandering along the curtain walls and bastions, one discovers an ingenious defensive system, as well as traces of a refined court life within the princely apartments. The castle has survived the ages, from the Hundred Years' War to the capitulation of Napoleon III in 1870, without ever being taken by force. Today, its wide terraces offer a breathtaking view of the Meuse River and the city, making this stone sentinel the beating heart of Ardennes culture.