Château de Franchimont

About the museum

Franchimont Castle in Theux was one of the twelve residences and strongholds of the Principality of Liège. It is first mentioned in 1155, but its first buildings probably date from the bishops Henry of Verdun and Otbert, at the end of the 11th century. Hemmed in between the duchies of Limburg and Luxembourg and the Principality of Stavelot, the Franchimont country had its own defensive system and its own administrative and judicial centre, where the prince's representative resided.

The present ruins are divided into three concentric enclosures that illustrate the evolution of fortifications from the Middle Ages to the early modern period. The first enclosure is the castle proper, transformed mainly in the 16th century; the second retains in particular the eastern reinforcement of the keep (the “bouclier”, or shield, around 1387); the third, pentagonal, dates from the time of Érard de la Marck and shows military architecture adapted to artillery.

The site belongs to the municipality of Theux. Tourism management and voluntary restoration work have been carried out for more than fifty years by the association “Les Compagnons de Franchimont”. A small museum in the basement of the reception centre presents a film, models and objects from the excavations. In 2026 and until mid-2027, the castle is under renovation and remains partly accessible.

Highlights

• Ruins of a fortress of the prince-bishops of Liège, mentioned as early as 1155
• Three enclosures illustrating the evolution of military architecture
• Keep reinforced by a “shield” more than 20 m high (around 1387)
• Small museum with a film, models and objects from the excavations
• Audio guide in French, Dutch, English and German

Permanent exhibition

• Musée du château de Franchimont – Small museum in the basement of the reception centre: a video montage on the castle's history, models of the fortress's evolution, everyday objects and bones from the excavations.

Operated by

Commune de Theux (gestion : Les Compagnons de Franchimont asbl)

Admission & discounts

Free entry for residents of the municipality of Theux.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle is partly accessible to people with reduced mobility; parking spaces near the entrance are reserved for them, and adapted toilets are available at the Brasserie de Franchimont. Animals are welcome on a lead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

According to the website, the castle suits children well; birthday parties at the castle and activities for schools on request.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Brasserie de Franchimont nearby; castle shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit