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Origin and history

Vaite Castle is an ancient castle built in the 13th century by the family of Montfaucon, one of the most powerful in the region. Located on a hill between Champlive and Laissey, it overlooks the Doubs valley by more than 230 meters. This strategic site gave him a major defensive role in the region.

In 1480 the castle was burned by the troops of Louis XI, leaving important ruins. In the middle of the 16th century, the German family bought the seigneury and undertook a complete restoration, adding in particular a courtine pierced by murderers on the south side, still visible today. This work restored the castle's role as a defensive fortress.

During the War of Ten Years (1634-1644), the castle was besieged in 1643 by Lorrains, without success. In 1668 he was briefly taken by the French before being reconquered. The Germans continued until 1792, when the General Council of the Doubs ordered its demolition for fear that it would become a den of robbers. Today, there is only one missing tower, a cistern and remains of ramparts.

The undeveloped and partially collapsed site offers a remarkable view of the Doubs Valley. Although unprotected, it is listed among the Doubs sites by the DREAL, attracting lovers of history and landscapes. Caution is recommended during the visit due to the state of the ruins.

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