Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Pertusier Castle is a Renaissance building built in 1576 in Morteau, Haut-Doubs, by Guillaume Cuche, a member of an old family from Val de Morteau from Switzerland. This civil castle, rare in the region, is distinguished by its yellow limestone architecture of the Sablière de Montlebon, close to the stone of Neuchâtel. It embodies the stylistic influence of the Renaissance in a border area marked by cultural exchanges between Franche-Comté and Switzerland.

In 1647, the property passed into the hands of Jean Bôle, also of Swiss origin, before being passed on to his descendants. The French Revolution marked a turning point: in 1797 the castle became a national property and was acquired by the Besançonese lawyer Jean-Charles Pertusier (1754-1822). This change of ownership reflects the political upheavals of the time, where ecclesiastical and aristocratic goods are redistributed.

In the 19th century, the Pertusier family undertook expansion and development in a neo-renaissance style, partially modernizing the structure. In 1935, René Pertusier, the last descendant, surrendered the castle and its park to the municipality of Morteau. The building then houses a gendarmerie from 1938 to 1985, before being transformed into a watchmaking museum, thus highlighting the local artisanal heritage. It has been a historic monument since 5 July 1993 and today bears witness to the architectural and social history of Haut-Doubs.

A fire in 1936, shortly after its acquisition by the city, and its use as a gendarmerie barracks illustrate the hazards of its preservation. Its late classification (1993) confirms its heritage value, while its museum highlights watchmaking, an emblematic activity of Morteau since the 18th century. The Swiss and French dual influence, visible in its history and architecture, makes it a symbol of cross-border trade.

Future

Since 1985 the castle has housed the Morteau watch museum and has been classified as historical monuments since 5 July 1993.

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