Oricourt: Château d’Oricourt and the village fountains

Oricourt is defined by Château d’Oricourt, a medieval fortress dating from the 12th century. It has been classified as a Monument historique since May 4, 1984. If you are looking for a hotel in Oricourt, the castle offers a cultural focal point around which to plan your visit: the complex includes two courtyards, towers, moats and a castle chapel.

Ramparts and courtyards

A double ring of ramparts encloses two courtyards with different functions. One wall surrounds the lower service courtyard, the other the upper residential courtyard. Buildings dating from the 12th and 15th centuries stand in the upper courtyard. There is also a well, a cistern, a bakery, cellars and a large dining hall.

The fortifications can also be understood by looking at individual features. The main tower is 25 meters high, overlooks the courtyards and moats, and also controls access to the castle. At the foot of the rear tower, a stairway with mouse-hole steps runs along the wall. It is the only access to the wall walk.

Towers and moats

The tower between the two high towers has a hexagonal floor plan; on the moat side, its base is square. Its narrow interior contains three loopholes, including one in the shape of a cross. These varied shapes distinguish the tower from both the high towers and the openings inside it.

The southern moat cuts deep into the plateau. In places, it reaches a depth of ten meters and a width of nearly twenty meters. Château d’Oricourt overlooks a valley; the natural terrain contributes significantly to its defense.

Castle chapel and historical traces

The castle chapel is located in the upper courtyard, adjoining the keep; visitors can see it there. During its restoration, original floor tiles and the altar base were uncovered. The restoration 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.

The dovecote also retains details of its fittings: many clay nests and boulins are still preserved, and the roof was restored in 1984. A small-scale trebuchet stands beside the moats. It was provided by the company “La Lune d’Ambre” and made by Renaud Beffeyte of Armédiéval.

Oricourt and the surrounding area

The village itself has three monumental 19th-century fountains. Oricourt is therefore home not only to a medieval fortress, but also to heritage from a later period.

The Circuit Art, Nature et Patrimoine starts in Oricourt. The wider region includes the fountains of Oppenans, the forest and priory of Marast, and the village of Aillevans. If you plan to follow the circuit, check its current route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Nantilly, Savoyeux, Esprels, Saint-Loup-Sur-Semouse, Champlitte, Volon, Montboillon, Magny-Jobert.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Saône.