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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Chamilly Castle, located in the same name as Saône-et-Loire, rises on the road crossing a narrow valley between Chagny and Aluze. The current building, which has been listed as a historical monument since 16 February 2015, combines a body of 17th-century classic houses with older elements, including a rounded tower and agricultural buildings surrounding the courtyard. Although private property and not open to the visit, its architecture reflects the major transformations that took place in the 17th century, during which time a classical style building and a wing were added in return for a square.

Chamilly's origins date back at least to the twelfth century, with the proven existence of a first castle outside the present village, followed by a strong house mentioned at the end of the thirteenth century. The fief changed hands frequently: passed to the Savianges in 1388, then to the Semur around 1400, it echoed to the Petitjean before being passed on to the Moroges around 1500. In 1543, Claudine de Moroges brought in dowry to Jacques Bouton, marking the beginning of the ascent of this family. The estate became particularly important in the 17th century when Louis XIV erected the seigneury in 1644 to reward Nicolas Bouton, Marshal of Camp and defender of Stenay.

The lineage of the Bouton de Chamilly is illustrated with figures such as Herard Bouton, Marshal de Camp and Governor of Dijon, or his brother Noël Bouton, possible recipient of the Letters of a Portuguese nun. After the death of Hérard in 1672, the castle passed to his nephew Louis-François Bouton, then, by alliance, to the Bethune-Charost in the 18th century. The Revolution ended this line: the last lord of Chamilly, son of Armand Joseph of Bethune, died on the scaffold in 1794. The present castle, probably built by Nicolas Bouton, preserves traces of its medieval past, such as a horse-drawn tower covered with flat tiles, integrated with the classic house.

The building, as registered in 2015, includes the main house, the medieval tower, the old ditches, a bastioned court and a square dovecote. These elements, spread over several parcels, bear witness to the architectural and strategic evolutions of the site, from the fortresses of the Middle Ages to the classic 17th century. Although closed to the public, the castle remains a symbol of the historical heritage of Saône-et-Loire, linked to the military and nobility history of Burgundy-Franche-Comté.

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