Initial construction XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Castle built in ochre stone.
XIIIe siècle
Integration into fortifications
Integration into fortifications XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Protects Arbois with other buildings.
1479
Destruction by Louis XI
Destruction by Louis XI 1479 (≈ 1479)
Reconquest of Burgundy County.
1er quart XVIe siècle
Restoration by Pierre Bontemps
Restoration by Pierre Bontemps 1er quart XVIe siècle (≈ 1625)
Buying and rebuilding the ruins.
1793
Sale as a national good
Sale as a national good 1793 (≈ 1793)
The consequence of the French Revolution.
17 avril 1989
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 17 avril 1989 (≈ 1989)
Protection of facades and remains.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Soils and basements of plots 607, 610 and 611 with archaeological remains they may contain; support walls of the building and garden, fence wall of the garden on the rue du Vieux-Château; facades and roofs of the main house body, north wing and west wing on street, including galleries on courtyard; cellars and basement volumes; stair tower with its staircase; room 7 fireplace, room 9 panelling decoration, panelling, ceilings and chimneys of rooms 11 and 12, rooms 15 and 16 decors and chimneys (see map annexed to the order) (Box AB 607, 609 to 611): inscription by order of 17 April 1989
Key figures
Pierre Bontemps - Chanoine and restaurant
Aceta and reconstruct the castle.
André Perrard - 19th century architect
Restore the castle in 1847.
Louis XI - King of France
Ordained destruction in 1479.
Origin and history
The Château Bontemps is a private castle dating back to the 12th century, located in Arbois in the Jura, Franche-Comté. Originally built in ochre stone, it was integrated in the 13th century with the fortifications of the city along the Cuisance, alongside other emblematic buildings such as the Pécauld castle or the Saint-Just church. This strategic site reflected the defensive importance of the city at that time.
In 1479, the castle was destroyed during the reconquest of the county of Burgundy by the troops of Louis XI, after the death of Charles the Temerary. The ruins were acquired by Canon Pierre Bontemps, who restored them to his residence. The castle remained in the Bontemps family until the French Revolution, when it was sold as a national good in 1793.
In the 19th century, the castle changed hands several times. In 1847, architect André Perrard bought it and undertook restoration work. Since then, Bontemps Castle has remained a private property, while being recognized for its architectural heritage. It was listed as a historical monument on 17 April 1989, protecting its facades, roofs, interior decorations and archaeological remains.
The castle illustrates several architectural periods, with elements dating from the 12th century, such as the ochre stone walls, and more recent additions, such as the interior decorations of the 17th and 18th centuries. Its history is closely linked to that of Arbois, a city marked by medieval conflicts and the transition to the Renaissance.
Today, Bontemps Castle is still on Rue du Vieux-Château in Arbois, reminding by its architecture and remains of the political and social transformations of Franche-Comté. Although private property, it remains a symbol of local heritage, protected for future generations.
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