The Magdalen castle is located in the municipality of Chevreuse, in Yvelines, overlooking the valley.
Its origin dates back to the eleventh century when the city of lords decide to protect looting. There remains nothing of the original building with wooden palisades.
The first stone walls dating from the twelfth century, a time when high dungeon. Over the centuries, battlements, moats, drawbridges are added but it's the fifteenth century that are funded by the Royal Crown major alterations (extensions and reinforcements defensive elements). The castle is still rebuilt in the seventeenth century, especially in the dungeon, which is on a path connecting the town to the Abbey of Port-Royal des Champs.
Now remain a high court, a speaker and two square towers facing the town, the main door, round towers, and tower elements.
Acquired by the Department, the castle called "Madeleine" since the chapel was dedicated to the saint, now houses the headquarters of the Regional Natural Park of the High Valley Chevreuse and the House for the public reception.
Part of the castle is open to visitors, a permanent exhibition tracing its history. Open everyday save Monday. Free entry. Information at +33 1 30 52 09 09.
