Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Tracy is a monument located in Tracy-sur-Loire, in the Nièvre department, in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. It is located on the right bank of the Loire River, near a water reservoir, and is crossed nearby by the great hiking trail GR3. This castle is partly listed in the additional inventory of historical monuments since 1967 for its entrance pavilion and dungeon, and then in 2007 for all its supporting structures, facades and roofs.

The Stutt family, originally from Scotland, settled in France in the 15th century after fighting alongside Charles VII. They became officers in the army or occupied military and civilian functions, such as François Stutt, governor of Cosne-sur-Loire in the 16th century. A parchment of 1396 attests that the vine was already cultivated on the grounds of the castle, highlighting its ancient link with viticulture.

At the end of the 18th century, Antoine Destutt de Tracy, an officer and philosopher, inherited the castle. In the 20th century, writer Georges Simenon wrote his first novels. The estate, still linked to wine production, hosts events and film shoots, such as the film La Femme fidelité in 1976. Although the castle does not visit, guided outdoor tours are organized in summer and during the European Heritage Days.

The castle remains associated with the family of Estutt d'Assay, which now manages and enhances its heritage, especially through its wine estate open to the public.

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