- [Narrator] Once a hub of French aristocratic parties,

this castle in the countryside lies abandoned

after falling victim to a house fire.

A few hours outside Paris are the remains

of the chateau de La Mothe-Chandeniers.

The castle was built in the 14th century

and was owned by French nobles.

It was conquered twice by the British in the Middle Ages

and was devastated during the French Revolution.

Around 60 years later, after a wealthy relative

of Napoleon III took control, he restored the castle

to its former glory.

However, in 1932, just after central heating was installed,

a violent fire broke out.

Since the fire, the castle has been slowly taken over

by nature.

Trees have grown through the interior,

and vines crawl along the once sturdy castle walls.

Though its fate is still uncertain,

today there are efforts to save the castle

with a group raising money to restore the ruins.