Château de L'Aubépin

Château de l'Aubépin is a ruined medieval stronghold in Les Trois-Châteaux, a small commune in the Jura department of eastern France. Also known as the Tour de l'Aubépin, the site was once one of the region's most significant fortresses and today makes a rewarding stop for travelers drawn to the quieter historic corners of Franche-Comté.

Where exactly is it?

The ruins stand in the village of L'Aubépin, part of the commune of Les Trois-Châteaux (postcode 39160) since 2016. The commune itself was formed by merging three former villages — L'Aubépin, Chazelles, and Nanc-lès-Saint-Amour — with Saint-Jean-d'Étreux joining in 2019. The name "Three Castles" is no accident: this stretch of countryside was long dotted with fortifications guarding the frontier between the County of Burgundy and the Kingdom of France.

What is the history behind it?

The castle belonged to the counts of Laubespin and ranked among the largest fortresses in this part of the Jura. Its role was to watch over the once-disputed border separating Franche-Comté from French territory. The stronghold stood for centuries through the region's turbulent history until 1674, when Louis XIV ordered it dismantled — a move consistent with his broader policy of stripping away local fortifications across newly annexed Franche-Comté that could otherwise threaten royal authority.

Earlier still, in 1637, the castle's chapel had already been destroyed. One of the most colorful episodes tied to the site dates back even further, to 1423, when the Earl of Buchan, Constable of Scotland, was held prisoner within its walls. Local tradition holds that his release came in exchange for a ransom that included relics of Saint Garadoz, a Scottish saint whose veneration took root in this corner of the Jura and endured for centuries afterward.

What is left to see today?

Visitors can still make out fragments of the old fortress walls, alongside a much smaller, later chapel dedicated to Saint Garadoz, built to replace the one lost in the 17th century. As late as the early 20th century, the site drew popular pilgrimages, with visitors coming in hopes of healing through the saint's cult. Right beside the ruins and chapel sits a viewpoint — the belvédère de l'Aubépin — offering a wide panorama over the Bresse plain. That sweeping view, paired with the atmosphere of the ruins, is what draws most of today's visitors.

How do you get there, and what should you know?

The ruins sit at the heart of the village of L'Aubépin, easily reached by car from surrounding towns in the Jura and Bresse areas. A parking area and picnic spot are available on site, making it a good place to pause during a longer tour of the region. There's no ticketed museum experience here — it's an open, unguarded historic site, so there are no fixed opening hours to work around.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the site's character — a hilltop viewpoint paired with open-air ruins — spring and summer offer the best conditions, with longer daylight and clearer visibility making the most of the panorama over the Bresse plain. Autumn, with the surrounding forests turning color, is also an appealing season for a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for the ruins? No, this is an open, unguarded historic site — visiting the ruins and the viewpoint is free.

What actually remains of the castle? Fragments of the old fortress walls survive, along with a newer chapel dedicated to Saint Garadoz, built after the original one was destroyed.

Why was the castle demolished? Louis XIV ordered it dismantled in 1674 as part of a wider policy of removing local strongholds after Franche-Comté was annexed to France.

Is there parking and a place to rest nearby? Yes, a parking area and picnic spot are located right by the ruins, making it easy to stop for a while during a tour of the region.