"A territory created in 898, the "Franchimont Lands" became a dependent seigniory of the Principality of Liège until the 1789 Revolution. The territory was known in the 16^th century as a “marquisat” in the region of Franchimont, because since the beginning of this century, the Prince-Bishops adopted the habit of taking the title "Marquis".

"The Castle of Franchimont was built in the 11^th century. Built around a rectangular courtyard, the original castrum, which is still visible, was composed of three wings, pierced with arrow slits, and to the east, a massive dungeon. From the 12^th to 14^th centuries, the dungeon was flanked by angled buildings and, in 1387, the whole of the side, being the most vulnerable, was defended by a shield consisting of two towers and a rocky spur. Under Erard de la Marck (1505-1538) the fortress was adapted to fire artillery. A high pentagonal belt protects the original nucleus. Circular casemates equipped with cannon slotsflank the four corners of the enclosure while in the north a large casemated artillery tower protects the entrance. In 1793, the castle was plundered, devastated and left in ruins. After changing hands several times during the 19^th century, the municipality of Theux acquired it in 1959 and since 1967, the Friends of Franchimont association has taken charge of its restoration.

"One can still see a chapel, a tower of latrines, a bread oven and a well that is more than 60m deep.

"At the edge of the driveway to Franchimont Castle, there is a monument to Adrien Laguesse, commemorating a soldier who was killed during the Second World War. On 11^th September 1944, the inhabitants of Marché noticed that there were German soldiers in the woods of Franchimont. Sixteen men went to the place indicated and after a shoot-out, 27 of the 28 Germans were taken prisoner and onemember of the group, Adrien Laguesse, was killed by a bullet in the chest.

"Every two years (the odd years), the castle relives its glory days on the occasion of the Franche medieval fair: a painstaking reconstruction made with great attention to authenticity. It’s an event that brings together feudal lords with their retinue of squires and archers, merchants, craftsmen, jugglers, bear keepers and other street entertainers. You can revel in the practical jokes of comedians, while minstrels play their hurdy-gurdies, bagpipes and spinets. You can quench your thirst in friendly pubs and satisfy your hunger in picturesque inns.”