Montfaucon Castle

Montfaucon Castle, locally known as Château de Montfaucon, lies north of the village of the same name in the Doubs department in France.

Montfaucon Castle, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Doubs river, was built in the 11th century by Conon, the first Lord of Montfaucon, vassal of both Reginald I, Count of Burgundy, and Hughes I of Salins, Archbishop of Besançon. Around 1100, Richard of Montfaucon married Sophie, heiress of the County of Montbéliard, thus connecting both powerful families. They kept possession of the castle until the 15th century.

Amédée de Montfaucon started to completely rebuild the castle during the 2nd half of the 13th century. Also a walled village was founded directly next to the castle. Building of the castle was completed by his successor; Gauthier de Montfaucon.

In the 15th century the seigneury of Montfaucon passed to the House of Chalon-Arlay. They were also Princes of Orange and kept ownership of the castle until the French Revolution, at the end of the 18th century. 

In 1479 the castle fell into the hands of the troops of Louis XI of France. It was not destroyed but, together with the village, dismantled. After that, the castle had lost its military function and became just a center for local administration.

The Ten Years' War (1634-44) caused the castle and village to fall into decline, due to war acts, famines and epidemics. After that, the castle and the old village were gradually abandoned and fell to ruin. The populace moved to the current village.

At present Montfaucon Castle can freely be visited. A very nice site.

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