Who was Jean de Vienne and what is his link to the castle?

Admiral Jean de Vienne is historically associated with this site, although the castle dates back to the 12th century and its construction phases extended at least to the 14th century.

What is a barred spur?

It is a natural terrain formation surrounded by cliffs or slopes, completed by a transverse fortification that bars access, making the site highly defensive.

What are the preserved period elements?

The decorated tiles from the 14th century discovered in the late 19th century are among the most remarkable remains; the medieval ruins and archaeological substructures also bear witness to ancient occupation.

Château de Roulans

Roulans Castle

Roulans

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Roulans

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

L’Empreinte du temps. Photographier les êtres et les villes au XIXe siècleSat, Nov 7 · Palais Granvelle, actuellement musée19 km

Château de Roulans stands in Roulans (Doubs), in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 12th century, fourth quarter of the 19th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Perched on a spur overlooking the Doubs plain, Roulans castle preserves traces of a 12th-century medieval fortress. Associated with the memory of Admiral Jean de Vienne, the site suffered almost total destruction during the Revolution before undergoing significant restoration in the 19th century in the medieval taste of that era. The castle is discovered today through its ruins, a landscaped garden, and archaeological fragments bearing witness to its past, notably decorated tiles from the 14th century.

What to know

Access to the ruins and the entire site requires checking opening conditions directly with the municipality of Roulans, as no regular hours are established.
The castle is located in an elevated position that requires some walking from the main access point.
The visit concerns mainly the medieval ruins, the southern terraces, and the landscaped garden; no residential buildings are open to visitors.
The archaeological site includes underground levels whose access depends on current conservation and safety conditions.

Where this château is

Roulans · Doubs · Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Map of the area around Château de Roulans

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Roulans, Doubs

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

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00101719
Period of construction: 12th century, fourth quarter of the 19th century

Frequently asked

Who was Jean de Vienne and what is his link to the castle?: Admiral Jean de Vienne is historically associated with this site, although the castle dates back to the 12th century and its construction phases extended at least to the 14th century.
What is a barred spur?: It is a natural terrain formation surrounded by cliffs or slopes, completed by a transverse fortification that bars access, making the site highly defensive.
What are the preserved period elements?: The decorated tiles from the 14th century discovered in the late 19th century are among the most remarkable remains; the medieval ruins and archaeological substructures also bear witness to ancient occupation.