The castle of Fondremand is located in the commune of the same name, in the department of Haute-Saône, 24 km southwest of Vesoul.
The military building was built by the counts of Burgundy from the 12th century.
Dominating from a rock the plateau, the village and the course of La Romaine, it is in the form of a tower (or keep) which essentially dates from 1380. Rectangular, massive in shape, it includes two levels of vaulted rooms and a vast upper volume representing several floors (but whose floors have disappeared). A very fine example of a "residence tower" (a terminology which well sums up its dual function, both defensive and utilitarian), it occupies the west of a courtyard enclosed by a (reworked) enclosure. To the east, a 16th century dwelling announcing the Renaissance (remodeled in the 19th century) still includes vaulted rooms with ribbed ribs as well as monumental fireplaces.
To the north, the medieval castle was supplemented at the beginning of the 20th century by neo-Gothic style stables.
Further north still, a second castle (occupied by the manager) from the 16th and 19th centuries was once connected to the first via lime trees planted in a checkerboard pattern in place of a primitive vegetable garden.
This beautiful example of feudal architecture which gave birth to a town now labeled "Small town of character" (it includes numerous dwellings from the 15th and 16th centuries) is obviously protected as a historic monument. It has been the subject of archaeological studies which have shed light on its richness.
Property remains private. Open to the public in July and August and guided tours by appointment all year round. Information on +33 7 50 93 47 52 or +33 3 84 91 84 98.
