Choisey: History, Architecture and Archaeological Traces

Choisey’s history spans very different periods: the Hoguette de Choisey is dated to 5400–5300 BC, while its castles and sacred art reflect later architectural and artistic history. If you also take cultural history into account when choosing a place to stay, you’ll find several specific themes here rather than a single historical point of reference.

An accessible tour of local history

A tour exploring the history of Choisey is accessible to everyone, with explanatory panels along the route. You can learn about the town’s history on site with the help of these explanations. The town’s buildings, artworks and archaeological finds also highlight different historical themes.

Château de Parthey: History and heritage protection

Two historical periods should be distinguished in the history of Château de Parthey. It is thought to have been built around 1285, so this date should not be taken as a confirmed start of construction. By contrast, records indicate that it was partially burned down in 1479. This took place during the war over the annexation of the county under Louis XI. The recorded event affected part of the château, not the entire building.

The château’s later heritage-protection status is another matter: Château de Parthey and its park were listed as historic monuments by decree on 7 November 2008. The farm and outbuildings south of the main building are excluded. The presumed construction date, the turning point of 1479 and the 2008 listing therefore represent different aspects of the estate’s history.

Another period of construction: Château de Menthon

Château de Menthon was built by the Richardot family from 1701 and reached its current completed state in 1787. Unlike the uncertain presumed date of Château de Parthey’s construction, both the start of construction and the year of completion are specified here. The two châteaux therefore represent different historical periods: for Parthey, the recorded history is shaped by an uncertain early date and partial destruction; for Menthon, a construction period from 1701 to 1787 is given.

Architecture and art at Église Saint-Antoine

The flat, straight east end of the choir at Église Saint-Antoine may date from the 12th century. This dating is therefore uncertain. Narrow Romanesque openings are another feature of the church and add to its architectural interest, without making the possible date of the wall certain.

The artworks at Église Saint-Antoine offer their own historical highlights. The large altarpiece was restored in 2002 and has now regained its original colours and gilding. The church also houses a stone statue of Saint Roch from the late 15th century, which was recently restored. For the choir’s east end, the focus is on a possible date; for the altarpiece, on its restoration; and for the statue, on its period of origin and material.

An archaeological perspective on Choisey

The Hoguette de Choisey offers a much earlier point of reference than the architectural history of the châteaux and church. It is dated to 5400–5300 BC and was discovered by archaeologists in 2009 near the canal at Les Champins. This comparison of dates reveals the breadth of Choisey’s history: the archaeological find belongs to a far earlier period than the medieval references to Château de Parthey and Église Saint-Antoine. For your trip, Choisey offers a focus on cultural history that spans from an early archaeological date to later buildings and artworks.

Discover more destinations: Les Arsures, Fort Du Plasne, Barretaine, Foncine-Le-Haut, Lons-Le-Saunier, Mantry, Tancua, Cosges

For the broader travel guide: Jura.