Castles

Castle of Villemolin

Flanked by three towers, the castle dominates the beautiful landscape

Castle from the 14th century; according to the legend it was built on the former site of a temple devoted to Jove.

It is said that this castle is built upon the site where in earlier times a temple was located which was dedicated to Jove. Nearby, foundations of an ancient Roman villa were found, the “Villa Mollini”, from which the name was derived.

Situated on a hill with a view towards the massive woods of the Morvan, the castle has been altered several times during the centuries.

The interior is entirely furnished. You will also admire a beautiful collection of plates from the Dutch East India Company.

You will not be able to find any purchase-agreement in this castle as the Certaines family holds the fortress already for more than 400 years.

Recently, in the summer of 2002, the movie ‘the mystery of the yellow room” (with Claude Rich) was shot in and around the castle.

Castle from the 14th century; according to the legend it was built on the former site of a temple devoted to Jove.

Situated on a hill with a view towards the massive woods of the Morvan, the castle has been altered several times during the centuries.

The interior is entirely furnished. You will also admire a beautiful collection of plates from the Dutch East India Company.

You will not be able to find any purchase-agreement in this castle as the Certaines family holds the fortress already for more than 400 years.

Recently, in the summer of 2002, the movie ‘the mystery of the yellow room” (with Claude Rich) was shot in and around the castle.

Visit the website

< 20 min.

Castle of Bazoches

Medieval castle, bought by Marshal de Vauban in 1675 with the reward granted to him by King Louis XIV after the siege of Maastricht. In summer, concerts are given in the courtyard.

The castle of Marshal de Vauban is situated in rural French country side.

Marshal de Vauban, builder of hundreds of fortresses and strongholds, was in the service of King Louis XIV for 57 years!

The castle became his property after the fast and ingenious conquest of the city of Maastricht. He bought it with the 80.000 pounds given to him as a reward.

Built in the 12th century, the feudal castle welcomed the Crusade Kings like Richard Lionheart on their way to the Holy Land. From its chambers there is a direct line of sight to Vezelay, where the second and third crusade started.

< 30 min.

Castle of Chitry-les-Mines

A strategic position for this medieval fortress

Medieval fortress with beautiful furnishings, paintings and tapestries. On reservation only.

The castle with its 4 towers lies 15 meters above the river Yonne.

The wall surrounding the castle is especially impressive when you are peddling by in a canoe.

A beautiful stone staircase with banister in cast iron connects all floors.

The interior is remarkable because of its furnishings, its tapestries from Flanders and d’Aubusson, its paintings from the Flemish, Dutch and Italian schools.

The west wing is entirely occupied by the so-called Sibylles gallery. It contains 14 paintings of the 17th century and is framed by panelling decorated with mythological scenes. Classified as Historical Monument.

Medieval fortress with beautiful furnishings, paintings and tapestries. On reservation only.

The castle with its 4 towers lies 15 meters above the river Yonne.

The wall surrounding the castle is especially impressive when you are peddling by in a canoe.

A beautiful stone staircase with banister in cast iron connects all floors.

The interior is remarkable because of its furnishings, its tapestries from Flanders and d’Aubusson, its paintings from the Flemish, Dutch and Italian schools.

< 10 min.

Castle of Menou

The “Little Versailles of the Nivernais”

Also called “little Versailles of the Nivernais”, the castle is surrounded by parks and French gardens.

The castle was built in the 12th century on even grounds. At the moment, one tries to reconstruct the broad lanes leading to the main entrance. In earlier times, the park also contained fish-ponds and ice cellars.

< 10 min.

Castle of Ratilly

Built in the 12th century on the foundations of an old fortress, Ratilly today has a stoneware pottery workshop. In summer there are exhibitions of modern art and concerts.

The respective owners did respect the authentic beauty of this fortress.

On the construction site of Guédelon, 2 km away, a castle is built with 13th century techniques. The castle of Ratilly was taken as a model to build Guédelon.

From 1951 onwards, Ratilly is used for arts educational purposes. It has installed a workshop for sandstone pottery. Also exhibitions of contemporary art, sculptures and paintings are organized regularly.

< 60 min.

Guédelon

Construction site of Guédelon

Sketches of the future castle of Guédelon, according to the model of Chateau Ratilly

Here a medieval castle is created with 13th century building techniques. Everything is made in front of your very eyes. An absolute must.

A unique adventure

In this ancient and abandoned stone quarry the idea arose to start an unprecedented adventure: the construction of a medieval castle!

No sound of engines here

The only sounds to be heard are the ones made by the woodcutters, carpenters, blacksmith, quarrymen, stonecarvers, tile makers and carters with their horses. Because here a castle is built using the very same techniques and materials used in the Middle Ages. And it takes 25 years to finish!

The stonecarvers shape the sandstone and limestone blocks.

All the necessary tools are made on the spot

The blacksmith makes all metal objects and tools needed for the castle.

Here a medieval castle is created with 13th century building techniques. Everything is made in front of your very eyes. An absolute must.

A unique adventure

In this ancient and abandoned stone quarry the idea arose to start an unprecedented adventure: the construction of a medieval castle!

No sound of engines here

the stonecarvers shape the sandstone and limestone blocks.

All the necessary tools are made on the spot

The blacksmith makes all metal objects and tools needed for the castle.

Visit the website

< 10 min.

Castle of Saint-Fargeau

The park of the castle is the stage of an outstanding historical show

The history of this castle goes back for more than 10 centuries. Visit the furnished interior, the stables and the landscaped gardens. A spectacular historic show with 600 actors and 60 horsemen is presented on certain summernights.

The castle is more than 1000 years old and represents one of the finest examples of French classicism. It was la Grande Demoiselle, Anne-Marie Louise d’Orléans, first cousin of King Louis XIV, who ordered architect le Vau to bring upon some improvements. After all, she stayed here in exile for 5 years, because of her role during the civil war.

Today, a spectacular show is performed by hundreds of volunteers and horsemen. It is telling the great events of history of the past 1000 years; from the crusades to the second World War… every Friday and Saturday night in summer.

Visit the website

< 10 min.

Castle of époisses

The castle and its park

Ancient fortress surrounded by two walls of fortification enclosing 15th century houses, a dovecote with 3000 nesting-holes and a 13th century church.

The gates of the castle lead into a small village with houses, 12th century church and rare dovecot. Inside, there are numerous paintings of famous people in a 17th and 18th century setting.

The castle is surrounded by a double fortification and a beautiful flower garden as well.

Visit website

< 10 min.

Chateau de Chastellux

Dit middeleeuwse kasteel behoort al meer dan 1000 jaar tot dezelfde familie.

Het was belangrijk in de strijd van de Bourgondiërs tegen de Fransen, maar heeft ook de Amerikanen geholpen bij hun onafhankelijkheidsstrijd door troepen te sturen.

Interessante rondleidingen, in het Frans, gegeven door de eigenaar zelf of een familielid.

< 30 min.

Chateau de Lantilly in Corbigny

Versterkte veste uit de 13e eeuw, gebouwd op de fundamenten van een Gallo-Romeinse villa. beschermd historisch monument.

Rondleidingen in juli en augustus.

< 20 min.

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Gladly see you soon, Kees and Inge Stapel

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Castles

Castles

Castle of Villemolin

Flanked by three towers, the castle dominates the beautiful landscape

Castle of Bazoches

Castle of Chitry-les-Mines

A strategic position for this medieval fortress

Castle of Menou

The “Little Versailles of the Nivernais”

Castle of Ratilly

Guédelon

Construction site of Guédelon

Sketches of the future castle of Guédelon, according to the model of Chateau Ratilly

Castle of Saint-Fargeau

The park of the castle is the stage of an outstanding historical show

Castle of époisses

The castle and its park

Chateau de Chastellux

Chateau de Lantilly in Corbigny

Book your stay at Villa des Prés now

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