Le Château d’Oricourt

Built towards the middle of the 12th century on the edge of a plateau facing the Plaine de Lure, Château d'Oricourt castle is one of the rare examples of medieval military architecture in Franche-Comté and is the best-preserved in the whole region.



The ensemble consists of a double fortified wall and several buildings currently undergoing restoration. The old stables contain a model showing the construction of the castle and explaining its history. The guided tour starts beside the ditch to understand the military aspect of the site. A replica of a trebuchet stands on the edge of the ditch. The recently refurbished dove cote is very impressive.

The well and its pulley system illustrate the essential role of water in a fortified place likewise the vaulted rooms of the ground floor show the need to stock large amounts of food to survive within the walls.

The large kitchen and the Logis Rolin reveal the vital 15th century transformations carried out in castles weakened by the arrival of cannon.