Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Chevigny, mentioned in the 13th century, was the center of a turbulent seigneury. In 1282 Guillaume de Mello was lord, followed by Peter of Ostun in 1308. The fortress, involved in local revolts, was besieged in 1360 after a rebellion against the Auxois bailli. His garrisons also intervened in 1368 to chase maraud companies, illustrating his military and political role in the region.

In the 15th century, the castle remained a place of power: in 1455, the baili d'Auxois went there to force Thibaut du Plessis to pay tax for the crusade against the Turks. The site was partially dismantled in 1592, marking the decline of its defensive function. In the 18th century, there were only four towers surrounding a square courtyard surrounded by ditches, as well as a stone dovecote still in use.

The architecture reveals a rectangular dungeon today disappeared, surrounded by three ruined round towers and modern buildings in the enclosure. The moat, partially filled, and the 18-metre wide ditches underline the past strategic importance of the site. Ranked a historic monument in 1980 for its ruins and shawl, then in 1994 for the grip of the ditches, the castle embodies the transformation of a medieval fortress into a farm.

Located on the side of the hill between Millery and the hamlet of Chevigny, the site dominates the 980 departmental road. Its history reflects the feudal tensions of Burgundy, between local rebellions, seigneurial taxation and architectural adaptations. The current vestiges, mixing defensive and agricultural elements, offer a tangible testimony of this evolution over nearly five centuries.

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