Château de Bourlémont, Medieval castle in Frebécourt, France
Château de Bourlémont sits on a high promontory about 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level, commanding views of the Meuse Valley and the surrounding forests of the Western Vosges. The site includes the main castle building, a chapel, and grounds laid out in French garden style.
The fortress was founded in 1242 by Joffroy de Bourlemont, a nobleman of high rank, as a defensive stronghold for the region. Over the centuries, it passed through different ownership and served various noble families as a residence.
The Saint Vincent Chapel holds religious artworks that reflect the spiritual life of the families who lived here over centuries. These pieces offer visitors a window into how residents expressed their faith and honored their ancestors.
The castle and gardens are typically open to visitors during summer months and allow you to walk through the entire grounds. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is hilly and the historical pathways have slopes and uneven surfaces.
The grounds feature French gardens designed by landscape architect Paul de Lavenne de Choulot, adding formal beauty and order to the hilltop setting. These carefully planned green spaces show how the residents of past centuries valued classical garden design.
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