Photo : Tango7174 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Donjon de Septmonts
The keep of Septmonts, near Soissons in the Aisne, is the most striking remnant of the former residence of the bishops of Soissons. It was built from 1373 under Bishop Simon de Bucy and rises more than 45 metres, according to sources. It has seven storeys served by a spiral staircase and ends in a fifteen-metre watchtower. Its first two levels have rib vaults.
Victor Hugo, passing through the area, made the place famous by describing it as one of the most striking dwellings. Some scenes of Jean Rollin's film Le Frisson des Vampires were shot here in 1971.
The keep is part of an ensemble that also includes the square tower, the Chapel of Saint-Louis and a Renaissance residence. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1920. Owned by the commune, it is opened by the Amis de Septmonts association, which organises guided tours and events, notably during the Heritage Days.
