La Rochepot

Visible on the horizon of the charming village of La Rochepot is its intricate, fairy-tale castle with its multi-tiled roof in vibrant colors of yellow, olive, red, black, and ochres, which has stood on its rocky peak since the 13th century. You can also see the ruins of the original castle that occupied the site, built in the 11th century by Alexander of Burgundy. During the 15th century, the Château de la Rochepot became the home of the Lords Régnier and Philippe Pot, both Knights of the Golden Fleece and counselors to the Dukes of Burgundy. At the end of the 19th century Colonel Sadi Carnot carefully restored the castle, which had been destroyed during the French Revolution. Today a visit to the château (complete with drawbridge) gives you a glimpse of what life was like for the several hundred lords, ladies, guards, servants, and soldiers who called La Rochepot home. A tour of the castle shows you the dining room, kitchen, guards’ chambers, and watch wall. (Open Apr to Nov, closed Tuesday, tel: 03.80.21.71.37.)