The Chateau de Cléron is a castle with 14th century origins in the Doubs department of eastern France, at Cléron near Besançon. The castle is in an idyllic location on the edge of the Loue river and surrounded by attractive gardens.
Visit the gardens of Chateau de Cleron
Note that although the castle gardens are open to the public, the castle itself is not. However, the gardens themselves, the lovely setting and the imposing castle as backdrop make a visit worthwhile.
In an interview the current owner, Mr Montrichard, reported that the castle itself was no longer open to the public because of the high number of thefts!
Although you can't go inside the Chateau de Cleron it is still interesting to have a little historic knowledge of the building as you walk around the gardens...
The castle was originally built on the site of an even older castle in a position where it could control access to a bridge across the Loue river.
This medieval castle was substantially enhanced in the 18th century to make it more comfortable accommodation, although parts of the medieval structure such as the main tower and the drawbridge were retained. The square clocktower was then added in the 19th century.
When you visit you will find it quite straightforward to distinguish the earlier parts of the castle from those that were added later.
Chateau de Cleron visitor information
The gardens themselves are a mix of formal French style gardens and parkland surrounded by woods, with some statuary and outbuildings also to be seen.
The gardens are open July and August only, afternoons only, and closed on Mondays, so time your visit accordingly!
If you are visiting Cléron when the castle is closed you can still get a view of the castle across the river if you cross the bridge and follow the road a short distance - do this on foot because it is not easy to park a car on this part of the road. A rather high stone wall means that from the village itself you can only get slight glimpses of the castle.
Entrance to the Cleron gardens costs 3 euros.
Attractions nearby
You will most likely visit the castle gardens as part of a tour of the Loue River Valley of southern Doubs. There are numerous scenic highlights nearby, in particular between Mouthier-Haute-Pierre and Ornans and in the pretty village of Lods.
See more castles in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Doubs guide and the Franche-Comte guide.
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Map of Chateau de Cleron and places nearby
Visit near Chateau de Cleron with France This Way reviews
Ornans
The highlight of your visit to Ornans is the section along the Loue river, crossed by old stone bridges and with lovely houses on the riverside
Ornans guide
Lods
Lods is quite small but very pleasant to explore, in particular the village along the waterfalls on the Loue river
Lods guide
Mouthier-Haute-Pierre
The small village of Mouthier-Haute-Pierre is well placed to explore the source of the Loue river and several other scenic highlights in Doubs
Mouthier-Haute-Pierre guide
Besancon
The citadel, cathedral and some impressive 16th century townhouses are among the highlights to discover in Besancon
Besancon guide
Salins-les-Bains
The salt mines at Salins-les-Bains operated from the 13th - 20th century and are now an important local attraction and a UNESCO world heritage site
Salins-les-Bains guide
Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans
The Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans is an entire factory and living spaces that were once the centre of the important local salt industry
Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Doubs
The French version of this page is at Chateau de Cleron (Francais)