Where is the château de Dorches located?

It stands in the commune of Chanay, in the Ain department, about 1.5 kilometres south-southeast of the village.

What remains of the château de Dorches?

A square keep with arrow slits, a round tower and traces of an outer courtyard and small enclosure survive.

Is the château de Dorches a listed historic monument?

The remains have been listed as a historic monument by decree of 9 March 1927.

How old is the château de Dorches?

It was built in the early 12th century, and excavations suggest the site was occupied until the 14th century.

Can you visit the château de Dorches?

The ruins can be reached via a path, though no organised visiting information is available.

Château de Dorches

Dorches Castle

Chanay

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Chanay

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

Château de Dorches stands in Chanay (Ain), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 12th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

On a rocky spur overlooking the Dorches waterfall, near Chanay in the Ain department, stand the ruins of a fortress built in the early 12th century. What remains includes a square keep pierced with arrow slits, traces of an outer courtyard and a round tower, evidence of a stronghold occupied until the 14th century. The site's appeal lies in its remoteness and the view the spur offers over the Rhône valley.

Written from Château de Dorches

What to know

These are open-air ruins, with no roofed building to visit.
Reaching the site involves walking a path up to the rocky spur, over uneven ground.
The site has been listed as a historic monument since 1927.
No opening hours or fees are given, so access conditions should be checked locally.

Where this château is

Chanay · Ain · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château de Dorches

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

01420 Chanay

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00116361
Period of construction: 12th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Where is the château de Dorches located?: It stands in the commune of Chanay, in the Ain department, about 1.5 kilometres south-southeast of the village.
What remains of the château de Dorches?: A square keep with arrow slits, a round tower and traces of an outer courtyard and small enclosure survive.
Is the château de Dorches a listed historic monument?: The remains have been listed as a historic monument by decree of 9 March 1927.
How old is the château de Dorches?: It was built in the early 12th century, and excavations suggest the site was occupied until the 14th century.
Can you visit the château de Dorches?: The ruins can be reached via a path, though no organised visiting information is available.