The Secret World of Castles…
Not all chateaux are open to the public as grand museums, in fact the majority of them are still lived in. Their owners see them as a responsibility and a privilege, with a duty to keep the ancient and often enormous homes safe for future generations.
Burgundy has more chateaux than any other region in France. It’s neighbour and now partner since the 2016 regional shake up, Franche-Comté also has its fair share of castles including the incredible 17th century Citadel of Besancon.
Go chateau-hopping in Bourgogne-Franche-Comte and you’ll find chateaux galore to explore and stay in…
Here are a few favourites:
The chateau was built in the Renaissance style. Set in 123 acres of parkland, it is one of the first French castles to have been built to a plan that was set out on paper. It was the work of Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio who went to France to work on the Chateau of Fontainebleau and the Louvre. Before then, castles tended to be designed as they went along.
The Chateau was once owned by the husband of Diane de Poitier’s sister and there have been claims that the ghost of the famous mistress of Henri II, who had an apartment here, roams the rooms. The castle changed hands several times and fell into neglect before being bought by a Paris real estate company which has undertaken a long and very expensive restoration of the chateau.
Inside beautifully renovated and furnished rooms and the once glorious 16th century murals painted by the great masters of yesteryear are coming back to life as experts restore the colours. In the chapel which took 8 years to paint, the ancient walls are being revealed for the first time in centuries. Wine fairs and concerts are held in the beautiful grounds and the sumptuously decorated courtyard and grounds are the perfect place to wander and enjoy the orangery, 18th century folly and gorgeous gardens.
Chateau d’Ancy-le-Franc, Yonne