Beaufremont combines a complex architectural history with an archaeological site whose findings span several periods. Culinary discoveries are also part of the offering: the Distillerie du Château has been producing AOC mirabelle plum brandy for 300 years and offers free tours to individual visitors.
Château and Church: Different Building Phases
The Château de Beaufremont is first mentioned in 1157. This date marks its first mention, not a confirmed year of construction. The surviving remains of the surrounding walls date back to rebuilding work in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. It is therefore worth distinguishing between the early mention and the later building phases visible in the walls: they represent different stages in the château’s history.
A specific change of use can be seen in the château’s dovecote. Located outside the surrounding walls, it was built in 1607 and converted into the Chapelle Saint-Joseph in 1870. These dates indicate both the construction and the later conversion of the building.
The parish church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul was built in the 15th century; the choir and the south chapel have survived. The chapel door was set into the east wall in 1617, and the date is inscribed on the arch. The bell tower is newer still: it was rebuilt in 1850 to plans by the architect Mathey of Neufchâteau. The construction period, dated feature and later rebuilding provide different clues to the church’s architectural history.
The church also contains a tombstone of Jean de Bauffremont, associated with his death at Azincourt. The wayside cross at Beaufremont dates from the 15th century and is classified as a Monument Historique. These two details add further named historical objects to the architectural history.
An Archaeological Site with Finds from Several Periods
The archaeological site “Trois coffres sous tumuli du Bois-Saint-Charles” is located in Beaufremont. Its finds span the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Late Bronze Age and Iron Age. This sequence provides an overview of several archaeological periods rather than limiting the site to a single era.
The three structures beneath the burial mounds of Bois-Saint-Charles, along with an area extending 50 metres around the centre of the megalithic structures, were listed as historic monuments. The listing was made by decree dated 17 October 2000. This specifies both the protected structures and the extent of the area included.
Mirabelle Brandy and Tours
The Distillerie du Château has been producing AOC mirabelle plum brandy for 300 years. Individual visitors can take a free tour. Check tour availability again before you travel so you can factor the visit into your plans.
Beaufremont offers a range of themes for a stay: the building phases of the château, individual details of the parish church, archaeological periods and a tour connected with mirabelles. Which of these facets takes centre stage can shape your choice of destination and how you spend your stay.
Discover more destinations: Jeuxey, Travexin, Bonvillet, Ban-De-Laveline, Thiéfosse, Wisembach, Remiremont, Dommartin-Lès-Remiremont.
For the broader travel guide: Vosges.
