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Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Champvigy is located on a nipple overlooking a hilly region, in the commune of Saint-Bonnet-de-Veille-Vigne (Saône-et-Loire). From its probably rectangular enclosure, today only two circular towers remain: the most imposing is accompanied by a stair tower, while the second is flanked by a turret. An English park, added later, gives the site a romantic character. Private property, the castle is not visited and was largely destroyed in 1944.

The history of the castle dates back to the late 13th century, when it belonged to the Damascus family of Champvigy. In 1399 he moved to Philibert de Vaux, son of Jeanne Damas and Guiot de Vaux, who accompanied Admiral Jean de Vienne in Scotland. At the end of the 15th century, the estate was owned by Antoine and Léonard Germain, before changing hands several times: to Mathieu d'Essertines in the 17th century, then to Georges-Melchior de Champier in 1721. From 1742 to 1945, he remained in the Quarré family, whose arms were "cheched with silver and d'azur, to the chief of gold charged with a lion of sand".

Architecturally, the castle illustrates the evolution of medieval strong houses, with its defensive elements (tours, enclosures) partially preserved. Its English park, added much later, reflects the landscaped taste of the 18th or 19th century, typical of aristocratic residences redesigned for comfort and aesthetics. The destruction of 1944 marks a turning point in its history, considerably reducing its initial grip.

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