OLIFERN CASTLE

The ruins of this medieval castle, erected on the peak of Oliferne, always seem to be on the valleys. A previously highly strategic site: Indeed, the peak dominates the confluence of Ain and Bienne, which is already taking place in Roman times. In the Middle Ages, the access to the mighty abbey of Saint-Claude was controlled here. Today, the view from the peak of Oliferne is still outstanding on the valleys of the rivers, the Lyonnais, the Bugey, Switzerland, the Bresse, Burgundy and even, in good weather, on the Mont Blanc massif. It is believed that the castle of Oliferne was built at the edge of the th century by Jean de Chalon. It was a construction in "locked spur", like the Cathar castles. It was destroyed by Henri IV's troops at the end of the th century. A shipyard is led by the Adapemont, which gradually restores the ruins. A trail marked with explanatory panels allows to discover walls of the precincts, homes, tanks, views and… legends. Cruel lords, young girls sacrificed, ghosts… Long, local residents avoided the castle ruins. Charles Nodier in his picturesque Voyages in ancient France even states that the cursed place was the refuge of the last bears of Franche-Comté.