Fortress and prison De Joux. Views of Franche-Comte.

At one of the very few feasible ways from the former Burgundy to Switzerland, by the pass above the town of Pontarlier there was built in the 11th century a castle Fort de Joux. Originally wooden, in the next century, it was rebuilt in stone. Fort de Joux had a considerable military significance in the Middle Ages and later up to 20th century; but shortly after it had been established, it has found an alternate use as a prison with cruel conditions for convicts. Mainly they were political culprits or personal enemies of the burgundy dukes, or of the rulers of France later. in winter. This mountain fortress is exposed to chilling winds and heavy snowfalls in winter. Prisoners of the fort suffered from severe cold. Nowadays, the history of the castle is available for familiarization in the locative museum. It should, however, be borne in mind that during the winter off-season the museum not functions.

Medieval fortress in the mountains