Les Prisons Royales
The history and little secrets of an 18th-century prison!
This historic complex dating from the 18th century is unique in Burgundy Franche-Comté for its state of conservation.
Under Louis XIV, Franche-Comté was a province ripe for smuggling. Gabelles courts were set up to combat illegal trade (in salt, tobacco, cloth, etc.) and hunt down smugglers.
Built between 1730 and 1741 to accommodate this jurisdiction, the building includes an auditorium, the gaoler's lodgings, a chapel, prisons and dungeons.
After the French Revolution, the building became a prison, then a security depository, before being sold to private individuals in 1869. It was then bought by the town in 1995, listed as a historic monument in 1997 and restored.
Let yourself be carried away from the courtroom to the dungeons, which are still well preserved!
- French, English
- Payment cards, Cheques and postal orders, Cash, Visa
- Pets not allowed
- Parking
- Toilettes
- Specific theme activities
- Temporary exhibitions
- Son et lumière
From 01/01/2025 to 31/12/2025
Guided tours :
- in July and August,
- during school holidays: All Saints' Day, Christmas, Winter, Easter
- occasionally in May, June and September.
The Royal Prisons of Saint-Amour can only be visited on guided tours. Bookings must be made with the Porte du Jura Tourist Office.
For groups of 10 or more, the Tourist Office offers guided tours by prior arrangement all year round.
Please note that in 2025, the site will be closed in September and October for roof restoration work.
- Guided tour for adults (Under 16s) : 5€
- Youth Rate (10 to 17 years old / students ) : 3€
- Group rate (from 10 people) : 3.5€
- Special rate (Juramusée Pass holder) : 3.5€
- Gratuities (Under 10s / Pass Découverte Bourgogne Franche Comté holder)
- Special rate (Pass Porte du Jura (2-site pass))
- Other rate (People with disabilities) : 2.5€
