Panoramic view of Château d'Oricourt and surrounding countryside, with forests and fields - Vallée de l'Ognon — ©Château d'Oricourt|BothBetter

Oricourt Castle Medieval jewel of Haute-Saône

Welcome to Château d’Oricourt, an architectural treasure nestling in the heart of the Haute-Saône region. This exceptional monument invites you on a journey through eight centuries of history. Get ready for an immersive experience in the captivating world of the Middle Ages!

The owner, a true guardian of history, welcomes you with enthusiasm and passion. His account, punctuated by thrilling anecdotes and touches of humour, will take you on a fascinating guided tour.

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Medieval architecture In all its splendour

Along the way, admire the architectural details for which Oricourt Castle is renowned: the high courtyard, the towers, the ancient keep, the Rolin dwelling, the dovecote and the reconstructed trebuchet, a reminder of siege techniques. Whether relics of daily life, symbols of power or evidence of defensive systems, each element tells a part of the castle’s rich and complex history.

A must-see in the Ognon Valley

Lower view of a tower and the surrounding walls of the medieval castle of Oricourt - Ognon Valley — ©Château d'Oricourt|Charlotte Mosca

View of the main courtyard and residential buildings of the medieval castle of Oricourt - Ognon Valley — ©Château d'Oricourt|Charlotte Mosca

View from the main courtyard, showing a tower and the surrounding walls of the medieval castle of Oricourt - Vallée de l'Ognon — ©Château d'Oricourt|Charlotte Mosca

View of the towers and surrounding walls of the medieval castle of Oricourt - Ognon Valley — ©Château d'Oricourt|Charlotte Mosca

Restoration work at Château d’Oricourt

The architecture and heritage of Château d’Oricourt are particularly well preserved thanks to ambitious restoration work. In fact, the owners are doing their utmost to preserve the authenticity of this 12th-century landmark, regularly undertaking large-scale restoration work, such as on the dovecote and the castle chapel.

Visit the castle

Le Colombier

The dovecote is a remarkable example of heritage preservation. It was first mentioned in 1423. Around 1680, a new circular dovecote was built, reflecting the seigneurial status of its owners. It is very large, with a capacity of 800 nests.

Located just a few steps from the main entrance to the château, this dovecote is distinguished by its architecture. Its lava roof, restored in 1984, and stone walls give the building its authentic charm. Inside, visitors can still admire many of the original cob nests, a testament to the ingenuity of the medieval builders.

Dovecote of the medieval castle of Oricourt - Ognon Valley — ©Château d'Oricourt|Charlotte Mosca

View of the viorbe, typical of Franche-Comté, and the chapel of the medieval castle of Oricourt - Ognon Valley — ©Château d'Oricourt|Charlotte Mosca

Interior of the chapel in the medieval château at Oricourt - Ognon Valley — ©Château d'Oricourt|JP Cornevaux

The castle chapel

The castral chapel, probably built in the 15th century by Nicolas Rolin, founder of the Hospices de Beaune and Chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, has undergone meticulous restoration. This ambitious, year-long project has restored the chapel to its former splendour, revealing original architectural features such as the floor tiles and the base of the altar.

The work encompassed several crucial aspects, such as the reinforcement of structural elements, the restoration of the original access and the meticulous reconstruction of the interior double ribbed vault.

Located in the high courtyard, backing onto the keep, visitors can now appreciate the rediscovered beauty of this chapel, a silent witness to centuries of history.

Castle life In the Ognon Valley

The Ognon Valley boasts an exceptional architectural heritage. As well as the not-to-be-missed châteaux of Villersexel and Oricourt, this destination is home to a myriad of historic residences that bear witness to its rich past. Although some of these treasures remain in private ownership, around twenty carefully preserved sites open their doors to curious visitors.