You might think it’s a movie set. Yet it’s a genuine medieval relic, just an hour from Paris. In Crouy-sur-Ourcq, the Houssoy keep has withstood wars, fires, and the passage of time for over 600 years. Except this time, the monument is in danger, and a fundraising campaign has just been launched to save it.
A castle that survived the flames
The story begins at the end of the 16th century. Around 1390, Jean III de Sépoix, an advisor to King Charles V, had the castle built on the site of an ancient fortification that overlooked the Ourcq Valley. Its large square tower, rare for the time, still stands 20 meters high today.
In 1652, during a period of revolt against royal authority, the castle’s fate took a dramatic turn. The site was attacked, and the seigneurial residence went up in flames. The keep, however, held firm. And one unique detail remains that cannot be seen anywhere else: the chimneys of the vanished residence have remained attached to the facade, half-suspended in midair, for more than three centuries.
600 years later, the historic site is in danger
Designated a Historic Monument, the keep has had many uses; it even served as a dovecote after the castle’s destruction. Despite various restorations, its condition is cause for concern. The walls—and especially those famous chimneys—are becoming increasingly fragile and must be reinforced before their condition deteriorates further. The Fondation du Patrimoine has therefore launched a fundraising campaign to raise 17,000 €. So far, only 1,475 € has been raised—less than 10% of the goal. That’s not much for six centuries of history.
A free tour this weekend
These stunning fireplaces are within reach—you can visit the Houssoy keep during European Heritage Days on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026. For this occasion, the keep will exceptionally open its doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From Paris, getting there is easy: take the P line from Gare de l’Est to Crouy-sur-Ourcq. Once you step off the Transilien, the keep is almost directly across from the station.
This weekend is the perfect opportunity to discover a historic site that is actually rarely discussed, and to get a close-up look at these chimneys that still stand, despite the centuries and fires that have ravaged the castle.