Château de Vallerois-le-Bois: A Historic Castle in France

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.chateau-de-valleroy.fr

Country: France

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

The Château de Vallerois-le-Bois stands in the commune of Vallerois-le-Bois in France. Constructed initially in the 12th century, it was built by the medieval elites of the region during a period of feudal consolidation.

In the 12th century, the seigneurie, or lordship, of Vallerois-le-Bois was held by the Cicon family, who were related to the La Roche family from nearby Doubs. The earliest surviving parts of the castle date from the 14th century. By 1273 and again in 1414, the lords of Vallerois-le-Bois are recorded in historical documents, showing continuous occupation and local influence.

Beginning in the early 15th century, control of the fief passed to the Montrost family, connected to the Montbozon lineage. In 1426, Étienne de Montrost publicly recognized holding the fief under Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. He secured permission to strengthen the castle’s fortifications, reflecting the site’s strategic importance in that era.

Following the death of Philibert de Montrost in 1516, the lordship was inherited by his nephew, Florent de Vaudrey. Florent added significant structures near the gatehouse, a section now known as the “quartier Vaudrey.” He also rebuilt a turret bearing a 1526 inscription that names him and acknowledges his ancestry. This period saw important expansions, including outbuildings equipped with a drawbridge suitable for both pedestrians and horse riders.

In the late 16th century, the castle’s keep and guardhouse were constructed, reinforcing its defensive capabilities. The lords exercised judicial powers over the territory, including high justice, with designated sites for executions and punishments such as pillorying located at a place called Les Fourches.

The estate later passed through marriage to the Salives family in 1681. During the French Revolution, Philippe-Emmanuel de Salives emigrated to Switzerland. His property, including the castle, was confiscated and sold as national property in 1794. During this revolutionary period, the castle was repurposed for agricultural use. A notable find from this time was a sealed bottle containing a signed declaration dated 22 December 1792 by de Salive, outlining precise instructions to recover a hidden monetary cache concealed near the chapel, cemetery, and rectory.

The castle suffered significant deterioration over the 19th and early 20th centuries. A fire in April 1822 damaged much of the structure and surrounding buildings, resulting in one fatality. The main building’s roof collapsed in 1920, the keep’s roof followed in 1933, and elements of the fabric including stones and chimneys were stolen thereafter.

Restoration efforts began in the mid-20th century under Pierre Jouffroy, who successfully obtained historic monument status for the property in 1964. Between 1965 and 1973, roofs and walls were repaired. After a time of further neglect, the castle changed hands to a physician from Dijon who, with support from a local association and official bodies, pursued additional restoration to preserve the château’s heritage. The site continues to be recognized for its historical and artistic value, officially classified as a historic monument since July 1964, and earlier listed for its artistic significance in 1913.

Remains

The castle is organized around multiple courtyards enclosed by defensive walls, reflecting fortified medieval architecture gradually transformed through the Renaissance. The entrance is marked by a gatehouse facing west, originating from the 16th century. This gatehouse once featured a drawbridge designed to allow passage for foot traffic and mounted riders, a defensive measure that controlled access to the lower courtyard.

The lower courtyard was bordered on its northern and eastern sides by curtain walls, which are defensive walls connecting towers or bastions. Within this courtyard stood various service buildings, including a sheepfold for livestock, a stable, and a barn that featured a dovecote on its upper floor. These outbuildings supported the estate’s agricultural and domestic functions but have since been lost.

Beyond a dividing wall lay a larger courtyard that was remodeled in the 16th century by the Vaudrey family. This area includes refined architectural details from the Renaissance period, notably a stair turret dated 1526. This turret served both practical and decorative purposes, giving access to different floors while reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the time. An inscription on this turret commemorates Florent de Vaudrey and his ancestors, marking the date of the reconstruction and the patron responsible.

The castle’s principal defensive tower, or keep, is situated on the southern side. Its origins trace back to the 15th century, during which it functioned as the stronghold and final refuge when under attack. The keep’s design and construction emphasize its role in surveillance and defense.

Historical records also note that the lordship exercised broad judicial authority over the area, with places for execution and punishment, such as Les Fourches, located close to the castle. These aspects underline the château’s importance not only as a residence but as a local center of power and law administration.

Today, the surviving structures present a blend of medieval fortification and Renaissance modification. Some sections, such as the gatehouse and stair turret, have been stabilized or restored, while others remain partially preserved or were lost over time. The castle’s remains continue to offer insight into its layered history and the families who shaped it across centuries.