← Discover Asnières-en-Montagne

Château de Rochefort

Route de Cry, 21500 Asnières-en-Montagne

CallWebsiteDirections

Rochefort Castle is one of the few remaining examples of the ‘pre-Renaissance’ period in France. Built on the site of earlier fortifications and perched on a rocky outcrop, the building consists of two main sections: the seigneurial residence, with its six towers, and the outbuildings, which were inhabited until 1956. Construction of an early castle is thought to have begun in the 12th century, as suggested by the existence of a manuscript dated 1196, which mentions the name ‘Rupes Fortis ’ (Strong Rock), the name of a seigneury whose first lord was called Eymon. References to the lords of Rochefort can be found in archival records from the 13th century; the manor was purchased by Jacques Coictier, chamberlain to Louis XI, after having been dismantled on the orders of Duke John the Fearless. In the late 15th century, Jacques Coictier built the main residence. In 1501, the castle was purchased by the Rochefort family, who may have built the western extension of the main building and the chapel; the castle was subsequently acquired by Denis Languet, a prosecutor at the Parliament of Dijon. In the 17th century, the main building of the entrance complex, the upper terrace and the ‘niche-lined’ retaining wall were probably constructed. Around 1789, the château was purchased by the de La Guiche family, who owned it until 2017. In the 1970s, the château was the subject of its first conservation project, which ultimately failed, leaving it neglected and in a state of disrepair for several years. In 1974, the site was listed as a Historic Monument. In 2002, the association ‘Les Clefs de Rochefort’ – a member of the REMPART Union – was founded, comprising a group of citizens carrying out work focused on the maintenance, restoration and safety of the site. Efforts to promote the site were also undertaken through the organisation of various events. In 2015, the State asked the owners to carry out urgent conservation work. In 2016, the owners initiated legal proceedings against the State and lost their case. On 6 December 2017, the Laguiche family sold the château to the “Les Clefs de Rochefort” association for a symbolic one euro. Extensive works took place from December 2018 to December 2020: their aim was to restore and secure the entrance structure. To date, the outbuildings once again have a roof comprising a permanent framework and a temporary roofing system. During these two years of work, shoring was installed in the most vulnerable areas, and the breach in the 15th-century tower was filled in. The association’s aim is now to raise the necessary funds to secure the seigneurial residence (including the party wall, etc.).

Automatically translated

Listing provided by La Côte-d'Or J'adore (updated by the source on 20/01/2026).

Tourist office data: DATAtourisme, Licence Ouverte (French open licence), updated 28 October 2026.