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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château des Essertaux, located in Bussières en Saône-et-Loire, is a 16th-century building built on a hill between two valleys. It consists of four building bodies forming a central courtyard, with three blind round towers with murderers. A carved frieze adorns the entrance gate, representing military trophies and acanthe leaves, dated around 1570 thanks to the arms of the families of Franc and Lugny. The site also preserves the remains of an ancient dungeon.

In the 17th century, a French garden was built in the north, accessible by a double-fly staircase. Although the buildings underwent renovations in the 19th century, the entrance gate, which was listed as historic monuments in 1992, remains a major architectural testimony. The castle, private property, is not visited.

The history of the castle dates back to 1368, with a fortified tower held by a Damoiseau named Bechet. In 1423, Étienne de Franc, guard of the gate of La Barre in Mâcon, acquired the estate thanks to the dowry of his wife, Jeanne de Lugny. In 1570, their descendant Louis de Franc married Claudine de Lugny, consolidating family influence. After the death of Louis in 1598, the estate passed to Noblet d'Anglure in 1677, then was devastated in 1789 before being bought in 1842 by Dr. Philibert, ancestor of the present owners.

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