Château de Montjoie-Le-Château, Medieval castle ruins in Montjoie-le-Château, France.
Château de Montjoie-le-Château is a medieval castle ruin perched on a rocky spur above the Doubs Valley. The structure is defined by a pentagonal keep that still contains a preserved chimney, washbasin, and latrine access.
The Glère family built the fortress in the early 13th century during the Merania wars, likely under Richard I de Glère. The site was established on a Neolithic settlement, showing the long history of occupation at this strategic location.
The name Montjoie comes from the Latin Mons Gaudii, meaning Mountain of Joy, reflecting its past role as a site of celebration and gathering. You can still sense this festive purpose when walking through the remains today.
Access to the ruins is possible, but the ground is uneven and often slippery, especially after rain. Wear proper footwear and give the fragile structures plenty of space, as the remains become unstable after centuries of weathering.
The castle chapel displays architectural elements from both Romanesque and Gothic periods, with windows blending features of both styles. This mixture is unusual and shows how the fortress was enlarged and modified over generations.
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