Château de la Roche, Doubs, Historical monument in Rigney, France
Château de la Roche is a castle perched on a cliff overlooking the Ognon Valley, located northeast of Besançon in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The main residence features French ceiling decorations, hooded fireplaces, a chapel, and a preserved dovecote in the eastern wing.
The castle was built in the 13th century by Othon de la Roche and remained under family control for generations. The structure underwent significant changes across different centuries as its ownership and purpose evolved.
The castle now serves as a venue for contemporary art exhibitions displayed throughout the year. Visitors can see how the residence functions as a living space where art and heritage coexist.
Visitors should allow time to explore the interior rooms and their historical details while enjoying views of the valley. The site is best navigated on foot, and the hilltop location offers varied perspectives throughout the visit.
During the 19th century, the castle was repurposed as a factory for different crafts, including sugar production and cheese making. This unexpected transformation reveals how the building adapted to the economic needs of its era.
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