Château de Ferrette

The Château de Ferrette, one of the oldest castles in Alsace, was first mentioned in 1105. It was the seat of a powerful dynasty, the Counts of Ferrette, who descended from a division of the Montbéliard counts' inheritance. Seven counts succeeded one another before the county passed to the House of Austria in 1324, following the marriage of Jeanne de Ferrette to Duke Albert II of Habsburg. The castle then became the residence of an Austrian bailiff, marking a turning point in its history.

Today, its ruins are divided into two distinct parts. The upper castle, the oldest, houses a residential tower carved from limestone, one of the first of its kind in Alsace, rising over several levels. From its platform, the panorama embraces the Vosges, the Black Forest, and the Jura, offering a breathtaking view. The lower castle consists of several round towers open at the gorge, equipped with gun ports, bearing witness to its defensive role.

Accessible for self-guided visits all year round, the site also offers free downloadable audio guides to enrich the exploration. A specialized guide on the castles of the Alsatian Jura is available at the Tourist Office for €3. Parking is arranged at the foot of the castle, opposite the old courthouse or near the Tourist Office.

Allow between 45 and 60 minutes for a self-guided visit of the site.