Cosne Castle

Cosne Castle, locally known as Château-Fort de Cosne, lies in the town of Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire, in the Nièvre department in France.

Cosne Castle was founded in the 5th century to defend the town of Cosne, situated near the Loire river. In the 9th century it was strengthened with a tower. A stone enclosure was built during the 12th century.

During the first decades of the 12th century the town and castle were a pawn in a feud between Hugues V, Count of Maine, and the Count of Nevers; William II. This led to several sieges of the town by both parties with their respective allies.

During the 13th century Cosne Castle was entirely rebuilt as an octagonal enclosure with 4 round and 2 square towers. It are the remains of this castle that we see today. It was partially dismantled by order of Cardinal Richelieu in 1640. What remained of the castle was partially demolished in 1860 to allow the construction of a prison. The prison was decommissioned in 1929.

At present Cosne Castle can freely be visited. Its former gate building is apparently used for cultural purposes and its courtyard is a car-park. Its exterior is difficult to see because the fabric of the town grew up against it. A curious find. Buranlure Castle is nearby on the other side of the Loire.

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