Chateau de Cleron visitor guide

Photo of Chateau de Cleron

Visit Chateau de Cleron, France

Book a visit

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.

Main facade of the castle of Cleron

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.

 
Advertisement
 

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.

Attractive lawn area and gazebo in the gardens

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.

Path in gardens at Chateau de Cleron

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.

See also: 

Arrange a visit to Chateau de Cleron

Reserve excursions

Book hotels, car hire and flights

Organise your visit using the options shown...

Hotels in Chateau de Cleron

Booking.com: best prices

Where

For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com

Map of Chateau de Cleron and places nearby

 
Advertisement
 

Visit near Chateau de Cleron with France This Way reviews

Ornans

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

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

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

Besancon

The citadel, cathedral and some impressive 16th century townhouses are among the highlights to discover in Besancon

Besancon guide
Salins-les-Bains

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

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)

 
Advertisement