Ray-sur-Saône castle

The Château de Ray-sur-Saône is the place to visit if you’re passing through the Cité de Caractère de Ray-sur-Saône. Built on the remains of an ancient medieval fortress ravaged by the conflicts of the 17th century, this majestic castle proudly overlooks the Saône valley.

Getting there

History and architecture of the castle

An architectural gem planted high on a hump overlooking the Saône, the Château de Ray-sur-Saône is the perfect illustration of the strategic position of a medieval fortified castle. Built in the 10th century, damaged during the Spanish Civil War in the 17th century, it was rebuilt in the very early 18th century and became the property of the Department of Haute-Saône in May 2015. Restoration work began in 2018.

The Château de Ray-sur-Saône is one of the architectural gems of Haute-Saône. With its refined interior decor, vast grounds and exceptional location overlooking the Saône, it is a unique site, a living witness to history since the Middle Ages. Passed down through the centuries by the same family lineage, it was generously donated to the Department of Haute-Saône by Countess Diane de Salverte in May 2015.

Stroll in the English park

The château has another asset that makes it even more remarkable: its English-style parkland, covering 6 hectares and offering an ideal setting for relaxation. The park stretches out in terraces in front of the château, bordered by the walls of the old fortress. What makes it special? It is adorned with exotic trees from all over the world. A stroll through the park will allow you to admire the different species present and also to enjoy a magnificent view of the village, the Saône and the surrounding valley.

Discover the cedars, lime trees, spruces, Scots pines, sycamores, giant sequoias, purple beeches and horse chestnuts, some of which are 150 years old.

The lime trees lining the driveway leading up to the château form a canopy of greenery, creating a soothing atmosphere from the moment you enter. The fan-shaped main courtyard extends from the château to the former watchtower and the trench tower.

The tree-lined driveway leading to the Château de Ray-sur-Saône and its grounds - Vesoul-Val de Saône — ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Destination 70

The Ray lime tree and its plaque in the grounds of Château de Ray-sur-Saône - Vesoul-Val de Saône — ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Destination 70

The grounds of Château de Ray-sur-Saône - Vesoul-Val de Saône — ©Château de Ray-sur-Saône|Destination 70

Sights in the park

Take a stroll through the park and you’ll come across Roze de Ray’s lime tree, planted in 1609 to mark the young girl’s engagement. A plaque identifies the tree, and a stone bench at its foot invites you to sit and contemplate the landscape.

Several specimens of fastigiated yew, renowned for their attractive columnar shape, adorn one of the terraces, which was once adorned with lime trees but was replaced by these yews in the 1950s. Today, this terrace is one of the most picturesque spots in the park!

Visit the castle

The château is open to the public and can only be visited in the company of a guide, a unique opportunity to learn more about its fascinating history and well-kept secrets, such as the story of Saint Hubert. In the 20th century, Hubert de Salverte had a stone carved in bas-relief in the retaining wall of the south terrace of Château de Ray-sur-Saône, depicting the miracle of his patron saint: Saint Hubert, protector of hunters, kneeling in front of a deer against a backdrop of trees.

The park itself is open to the public, so you can take your time wandering its paths at your own pace.

Visit

A journey through time

The Château de Ray-sur-Saône, nestling in the heart of an exceptional English-style park, invites you to take a trip back in time. Its strategic position overlooking the Saône valley, its refined interiors and lush parkland make it a must-see in Haute-Saône.