The 12th-century fortress of the Counts of Nevers

The Château de Druyes dates back to the 12th century, built by the Counts of Nevers. Peter II of Courtenay, a cousin to King Philip II by marriage, was a common resident of the castle. In 1199, he faced a revolt by Hervé IV of Donzy and was taken prisoner. To regain his freedom, Peter II was forced to give Hervé the county of Nevers and his daughter’s hand in marriage (Matilda of Courtenay). The counties of Auxerre and Tonnerre were agreed to become the property of Hervé at the death of Peter II.

The Château de Druyes remained in the possession of the Counts of Nevers until the 18th century. From the 17th century onward, having lost all military and stately importance, it was no longer occupied and slowly deteriorated. Efforts were made to save it from total ruin only in the second half of the 20th century.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons