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Chateaux in East France

 

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle with Alsace plain behindChâteau Haut-Koenigsbourg
 Location: The chateau can be found off the D159 near Riquewihr.
General Information: Castle Website.
Description: An ancient chateau dating back to the 12th century, but which remained in ruins until reconstruction started at the end of the 19th century.  Its current state reflects how it looked in the 15th Haut-Koenigsbourg Castlecentury - it remains in excellent condition with commanding views due to its splendid location on the edge of the Vosges mountains, overlooking the plain d’Alsace.
Our recommendations: From the “Great Bastion” you can see across the Rhine to the Black Forest, as well as to the south, the Hohneck summit, the Grand Ballon and parts of the Alsace Route des Vins.

Magnificent setting – worth a special trip!
 

Château de Joux

Château de Joux

 

Location: Take the N57 5km south from Pontarlier and you cannot miss it.

General info: French only website.  Open 9AM – 6PM in the peak season.  At other times please call on 03 81 69 47 95 to check times.

Description: A fantastic chateau dating back more than 1000 years in a dramatic setting guarding the valley linking France and Switzerland.  It was once a state prison, but now houses an excellent arms museum.

Our recommendations: Visit in the evening during July and August for the Festivals des Nuits de Joux.

For the children: Although the environment is perfect for kids, they may find the guided tours and the  museum a bit stifling.
 Magnificent setting – worth a special trip!