Aisey-et-Richecourt: Heritage on the Saône

Aisey-et-Richecourt lies in the Haute vallée de la Saône et du Coney landscape area. The village profile combines the Saône landscape with historic buildings and craft activities. These include the Château de Richecourt, the Église Saint-Julien, several washhouses and the Forge des Blochers. The river, architectural history and workshop offer different points of interest for a stay.

The Saône and the landscape

The Saône flows through the southeastern part of the municipality; Richecourt is situated on a rise above the river. This brings together two distinct geographical features: the river’s course through part of the municipal area and Richecourt’s elevated location. Its inclusion in the Haute vallée de la Saône et du Coney provides the regional context for this landscape.

Departmental Road 44 is the main road connection to the municipality of Aisey-et-Richecourt. The river, elevated location and road connection thus describe different aspects of getting your bearings in the area.

The château, church and local history

The Château de Richecourt was part of the defensive system associated with the Saône. The fortress was built in the second half of the 13th century by Foulque de Rigney. The river is therefore not only a feature of the landscape, but also part of the château’s historical context.

The Église Saint-Julien stands in Aisey, between the presbytery and the château. It is a Neo-Gothic church. The parish of Aisey is first mentioned in 1172; the fortress dates from the second half of the 13th century. This distinguishes the early mention of the parish from the later construction of the fortress.

Washhouses and village architecture

In Richecourt, below the church, stands a manor house with a dovecote. Farmsteads line the Grande Rue; they are characteristic of this type of courtyard farm and have cellar entrances. A fountain is also part of the village scene: the Fontaine on the Grande Rue is still standing.

The covered washhouse on Rue de la Charlotte in Aisey has two basins, one for washing and one for rinsing. The separation makes the different functions of the basins immediately clear. Plans by the architect Duret, dated 27 June 1830, served as the basis for the washhouse and the fountain. In Richecourt, a historic washhouse is located near the Saône; the washhouse on the riverbank was covered and enclosed by a perimeter wall.

Workshop and visits

The Forge des Blochers opens its workshop to the public so visitors can learn about the work carried out there. The forge includes a shop and temporary exhibitions. Workshops for adults and children are also offered. Visitor arrangements and workshop availability may change. Check the latest information about the workshop and workshop dates before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Bresson, Plancher-Bas, Delain, Clairegoutte, Hugier, Mélisey, Villers-Bouton, Polaincourt-Et-Clairefontaine.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Saône.