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Origin and history

The castle of Germolles, located in Mellecey in Saône-et-Loire, is an old residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, built in the 14th century. Originally, the site was occupied as early as the 13th century by a fortress belonging to the sires of Germolles, the younger branch of the lords of Brancion-Uxelles. This estate, initially modest, was enlarged and transformed into a prosperous seigneury before being confiscated in 1380 by Philip the Hardi, Duke of Burgundy, due to the debts of William II of Germolles.

In 1380, Philippe le Hardi offered the estate to his wife, Marguerite III of Flanders, who began his transformation into a sumptuous country palace. The work, led by renowned artists such as Drouet de Dammartin, Claus Sluter and Jean de Beaumetz, lasted more than a decade. The castle then becomes a luxurious reception place, with gardens, a rose garden and a model sheepfold, reflecting the refined tastes of the Burgundy courtyard at Renaissance dawn. King Charles VI was received there in 1389.

After the ducal period, the castle passed into the hands of the successors of Philippe le Hardi: Jean sans Peur, Philippe le Bon and Charles le Témeraire. When the latter died in 1477, the estate returned to the crown of France. Sold as a national good during the Revolution, he suffered partial destruction in the 19th century, including a fire in 1873 which seriously damaged the chapel and the hall of honour. Purchased in the late 19th century, it has since been privately owned and open to the public.

The castle preserves remarkable elements of the 13th and 14th centuries, such as the medieval cellar, the low chapel with Romanesque and Gothic decorations, and the Ducal house body. The latter, particularly well preserved, illustrates the luxury of the Burgundy courtyard with its murals, Gothic fireplaces and large windows. The high chapel, restored in the 21st century, and the octagonal turret housing the choir testify to the princely religious architecture.

The gardens, once organized by Marguerite de Flanders, have disappeared, but the present park, replanted in the 19th century in a romantic style, houses rare species such as a ginkgo biloba or bald cypress. The castle, classified as Historic Monument in 1989 for some parts, has been labeled "House of Illustrators" since 2013. It is part of the "Route des châteaux en Bourgogne du Sud" and offers cultural visits from October to June.

Future

Today, the castle is widely open to visit and organizes a cultural season from October to June.

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