Haute Roche Castle Ruins – Dourbes Tunnel loop from Mariembourg
Haute Roche Castle Ruins – Dourbes Tunnel loop from Mariembourg
4.5
(2)
28
riders
Haute Roche Castle Ruins – Dourbes Tunnel loop from Mariembourg
02:54
32.9km
580m
Mountain biking
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Tips
Includes a very steep uphill segment
You may need to push your bike.
After 12.1 km for 53 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
5.10 km
Ferme Château de Dourbes
Castle
8.55 km
View of Haute Roche
Highlight • Viewpoint
8.85 km
Haute Roche Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
This castle is located on a rocky promontory, about 200 metres high, overlooking the Dourbes valley and the Viroin river. Although the exact date of construction is not clear, there is evidence that a castle existed on this site as early as the 9th century. Archaeological excavations have even revealed traces of Gallo-Roman use of the site. The current castle was probably built at the end of the 13th century.
The history of Haute Roche is closely linked to the nearby Château de Fagnolles. Over the centuries, several noble families have been associated with the castle, including the Jauche, the Berlaymont, the Egmont, the Pignatelli and the d’Arenberg.
In the 16th century, the castle was fortified with a new gatehouse and an advanced defensive wall to withstand gunfire. In 1554, however, the castle was besieged and taken by Anne de Montmorency, who worked for the French king Henri II. A year later, William of Orange (nicknamed the Silent) reconquered the area and also dismantled the nearby castle of Fagnolles. Haute Roche Castle then fell into disrepair.
The isolated position of the castle is separated from the plateau by a large, hand-dug ditch. The square keep has walls at least 2.5 metres thick and was originally at least 13 metres high. The castle offers fascinating views of the surrounding landscape and is an intriguing witness to the past.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
12.0 km
Dourbes Tunnel
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
12.1 km
Enduro Descent to the Tunnel (Olloy Side)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
A less technical, shorter but perhaps steeper alternative exists in parallel.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
13.2 km
View of the Frimoye Quarry and Olloy from La Roche aux Faucons
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
19.4 km
Viroin
Lake
21.2 km
Réserve naturelle de Dourbes
Nature Reserve
22.9 km
Mediterranean landscape
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
25.1 km
View of Château de Nismes
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
25.2 km
Mousty Arboretum
Highlight • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
32.9 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.8 km
7.43 km
5.54 km
3.81 km
1.33 km
Surfaces
14.8 km
6.75 km
5.57 km
4.12 km
1.33 km
289 m
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Elevation
Highest point (250 m)
Lowest point (140 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 16 July
26°C
16°C
24 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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