Castle of Cléron: A Medieval Fortress in Cléron, France

Visitor Information

Google Rating: 3.7

Popularity: Very Low

Google Maps: View on Google Maps

Country: France

Civilization: Medieval European

Remains: Military

History

The Castle of Cléron is located in the municipality of Cléron, France. It was built in 1320 by the medieval civilization on the site of a former Gallo-Roman military camp, known as a castrum, situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Loue River.

Before the 12th century, control of the river crossing at this strategic point passed from the Lords of Scey to the Lords of Cléron. This location was crucial because it oversaw a ford across the Loue, which was later spanned by a wooden bridge built in 1384. The crossing formed part of the main salt trade route connecting the regional centers of Besançon and Salins-les-Bains, contributing to the prosperity of the surrounding area.

During the 13th century, Jean I of Chalon-Arlay aimed to gain control of the castle site; however, it remained under the authority of the Counts of Burgundy. In the mid-15th century, the village near the castle experienced turmoil when brigands attacked and kidnapped one of its inhabitants. Simon de Cléron led a retaliatory campaign against these bandits. A significant event took place during a French siege in 1480 when the castle’s keep caught fire. According to local accounts, Simon was involved in a dramatic incident that included a mad woman locked in a tower and the leader of the brigands. Following these events, Simon undertook the rebuilding of the castle in 1490.

The castle and village suffered further destruction during the Ten Years’ War (1634–1644), a conflict connected to the larger Thirty Years’ War. In 1639, Swedish mercenaries allied with France under Cardinal Richelieu devastated the area, and French troops caused additional damage in 1641.

In 1691, ownership of the castle passed to the Terrier family. They remodeled the residence during the 18th century, reflecting changing architectural and domestic styles. During the French Revolution, the castle was confiscated and repurposed as a farm. After the Revolution, the Terrier family regained possession and restored the property.

Following 1840, the castle underwent significant reconstruction work designed to emphasize its medieval character. In 1890, ownership transferred through marriage to the Montrichard family. The Castle of Cléron has been officially recognized as a monument historique since 1988 and remains a private home.

Remains

The Castle of Cléron retains key elements of its medieval defensive architecture, set prominently on the bank of the Loue River. Its position was originally chosen to command the river crossing, first a ford and later guarded by a wooden bridge constructed in 1384. The castle exhibits a combination of original medieval masonry and later modifications from the 18th and 19th centuries.

One of the most notable features is the keep, a tall fortified tower central to the castle’s defense. This structure was partially reconstructed after the 15th-century fire, preserving its function as a stronghold. Surrounding the keep are machicolations, stone openings through which defenders could drop projectiles or boiling substances on attackers below, along with narrow vertical arrowslits used for shooting arrows. Additionally, murder-holes — apertures located in the ceilings of gateways or passageways — are present, allowing defenders to target intruders attempting entry.

In the 19th century, a square tower known as the Clock Tower was added beside the main building. This addition reflects architectural changes from that period but does not significantly alter the castle’s medieval character.

Though the interior remains private and therefore not publicly accessible, the castle’s exterior and gardens are carefully maintained. The gardens contain decorative stone sculptures of lions and a latticework pavilion that was relocated from the Hôtel Terrier de Santans. A small dollhouse also features among the garden’s attractions.

Overall, the Castle of Cléron combines well-preserved medieval defensive structures with later restorations and embellishments, presenting a layered history visible in its stone and landscape setting.