In Oricourt, Château d’Oricourt brings the village’s history into view: the medieval fortress dates from the 12th century and has been classified as a Monument historique since 4 May 1984. Its double curtain wall encloses two courtyards with different functions—the lower service courtyard and the upper residential courtyard. Those interested in architectural history can explore the site through its courtyards, towers, moats and castle chapel.

Fortified courtyards, towers and moats

The main tower is 25 metres high. From there, it overlooks the courtyards and moats while also controlling access to the castle. The other towers show how differently the structures were designed: the tower between the two tall towers has a hexagonal ground plan, while its base is square on the moat side. Its narrow interior contains three embrasures, including one in the shape of a cross. These features provide concrete points of reference on a tour of the fortress architecture, showing that not all the towers have the same form.

At the foot of the rear tower, a staircase with mousehole steps runs along the wall. It is the only access to the wall-walk. The southern moat cuts deep into the plateau, reaching a depth of ten metres in places and almost twenty metres in width. Together with the natural terrain, which plays an important role in the defence, the moat helps explain the fortress’s position above a valley. A small-scale trebuchet also stands beside the moats. It was provided by the company “La Lune d’Ambre” and made by Renaud Beffeyte of Armédiéval.

More details can be found in the upper courtyard and outbuildings: these include buildings dating from the 12th and 15th centuries, a well, a cistern, a bakery, cellars and a large dining hall. Many clay nests and boulins remain in the dovecote; its roof was restored in 1984. The fortress can therefore be explored not only through its external defensive architecture, but also through the different functions of its buildings.

The castle chapel and its history

The castle chapel is in the upper courtyard, built against the keep, where visitors can view it. During its restoration, original floor tiles and the altar base were uncovered. The work took one year. The chapel was probably established in the 15th century by Nicolas Rolin, founder of the Hospices de Beaune and chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy. Its probable date and attribution remain part of its recorded history, while the features uncovered during restoration provide tangible traces of the chapel.

Discoveries in Oricourt and the surrounding area

The village itself also has its own heritage: Oricourt is home to three monumental fountains dating from the 19th century. They add another perspective on the village’s architectural history alongside the focus on the castle. Those who would like to combine the fortress’s historical details with a regional theme can also explore the Circuit Art, Nature et Patrimoine. Starting in Oricourt, it offers discoveries in the wider area, including the fountains of Oppenans, the forest and priory of Marast, and the village of Aillevans. Check the latest route information before planning a walk, as no details are available here about current route conditions.

You can shape your stay around your interests: the fortress offers many specific architectural and historical details, while the village fountains and the circuit add other topics to consider when planning. When looking for a holiday rental, consider whether you would like to focus your stay on Oricourt and the Château or also plan to explore the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Servance, Cuve, Dampierre-Sur-Salon, Bourbévelle, Belfahy, Magny-Jobert, La Barre, Plancher-Bas

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Saône.