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Castle · Spa, Liège
Château de Franchimont
Ruins of a medieval castle on a spur above the Hoëgne valley, in Theux, about 5 kilometres from Spa. It has a keep, a 16th‑century five‑sided curtain wall and underground casemates that can be explored.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Château de Franchimont
The Château de Franchimont stands in the municipality of Theux, on a rocky spur above the Hoëgne valley, a few kilometres from Spa. The first castle was built around the mid‑11th century and is mentioned in a document from 1155. It was part of the principality of Liège’s defences, and the prince‑bishops used the title marquises of Franchimont.
In the early 16th century, Érard de La Marck ordered the castle expanded to withstand artillery. It gained a five‑sided curtain wall, with a cannon tower and four low casemates linked by underground passages. Louis XIV ordered its demolition in 1676, but only part of the tower fell, and the castle served as a prison until the end of the Ancien Régime.
In the 19th century the ruins were used as a quarry for local building projects. The Belgian state took over the site in 1899, carried out excavations and, since the 1960s, a volunteers’ association, the Compagnons de Franchimont, has looked after clearing and restoration.
The visit includes the ruined keep, the courtyard and the casemates, where visitors walk through dark corridors beneath the walls. The castle’s name recalls the 600 Franchimontois, men who in 1468 attempted a night attack against Charles the Bold during the siege of Liège; historians debate their direct connection to the castle.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one to one and a half hours.
Best time
The visiting season usually runs from April to October, during daytime. On dry days the path to the ruins and the courtyard is more pleasant. Check the schedule before going.
How to get there
By car, about 10 minutes from Spa via the road to Theux. By train, the line between Spa and Pepinster stops at Franchimont station, in the valley, from where you walk up a slope to the castle.
Tip
Bring a torch or use your phone's light in the casemates, which are dark and have uneven floors. Wear sturdy footwear. From the top of the walls you can see the Hoëgne valley and the town of Theux.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château de Franchimont
Who were the 600 Franchimontois?
Men from the region who, in October 1468, attempted a night attack on the camp of Charles the Bold and King Louis XI, who were besieging Liège. The attack failed. Historians debate whether they had a direct connection to the castle.
Is the castle entirely in ruins?
Yes, but the walls, the base of the keep tower and the underground casemates are still standing and can be visited.