Visit to the Medieval Castle of Oricourt

Immerse yourself in medieval history by discovering the Château d'Oricourt , a true jewel of heritage, offering a journey through the centuries.

“The best-preserved fortified castle in Franche-Comté”

Built around the mid-12th century on the edge of a plateau overlooking the Lure plain, Oricourt is a fortified castle with a double set of walls (lower and upper bailey). Two 25-meter-high square towers overlook the curtain walls and deep moats. Outside, on the village side, stands an imposing dovecote. Within this rare medieval complex, you will discover stables, a well, a cistern, a bakery, cellars, a large kitchen, a chapel, and other rooms. Gaucher, Constable of the County of Burgundy, was Lord of Oricourt around 1170. At the end of the Middle Ages, it was owned by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of Burgundy, immortalized by Van Eyck and founder of the Hospices de Beaune. An educational site and unique architecture to discover!

Opening Hours and Prices

Visiting hours:

• From Easter to September 30th: Sundays and public holidays, from 2pm to 6pm.
• From July 14th to August 15th: Wednesday to Sunday, from 2pm to 6pm.

Guided tour

• Sundays and public holidays, or by reservation
• Tour duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Prices:

• Guided tours for individuals:
  • Adults: €9
  • Self-guided tour: €6
  • Children (6 to 12 years old, accompanied): €3
  • Children under 6 years old: Free
• Groups (more than 20 people, reservation required) : €6 per person, including documentation and guided tour.
• School groups: €4 per student, free for supervisors.
  All profits are used for the restoration of the castle.

Visits:

• Individuals: Guided tours every Sunday at 3:00 PM , or by reservation.
  Self-guided visits are possible during opening days and times, with documentation available in several languages (German, English, Dutch, Italian, French).
  Guided tour duration: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Groups: Guided tours are available; booking is recommended for groups of 20 or more. After the tour, a homemade aperitif or afternoon tea can be arranged upon request.

Description

The Medieval Castle of Oricourt is an impressive complex of fortified buildings, offering a fascinating view of medieval manorial architecture.

• The northwest facade , visible from the plain, features a twin bay window and latrines, adding a touch of authenticity to the building.
• View of the north wing , with a discreet postern gate allowing a secret exit towards the scarp, away from the main entrance.
• The hexagonal turret , a bold corbelled structure above the cistern and living quarters, with arrow slits that provided perfect protection.
• The rear tower , partially collapsed, is a testament to the robustness of the castle, with a narrow staircase leading to the rampart walk.
• The chapel , featuring magnificent transverse arches and decorated corbels, houses a double ribbed vault rising to nearly eight meters.
• The upper courtyard , surrounded by the second enclosure, offers a unique panorama of the lordly architecture dating back more than eight centuries.
• Aerial view of the castle , highlighting its double walls, tall square towers and moats.
• The dovecote , imposing and remarkable for its cob nests and its structure of fascines covered with clay soil.
• The viorbe , an elegant octagonal turret housing a spiral staircase leading to the various galleries.

A journey through time awaits you, as you explore the different facets of this iconic medieval castle.