14th-Century Castles — Between War and Transition

The 14th century was shaped by the Hundred Years War and the Black Death, which profoundly marked the architecture of the period. Castles became both more defensive and more comfortable, reflecting a new balance between military necessity and aristocratic life. The great royal fortresses — Vincennes, Pierrefonds, Saumur — illustrate this transition towards more refined forms, while retaining imposing towers and powerful curtain walls.