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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Marigny-le-Cahouët is a plain castle located about 60 km northwest of Dijon, in the Côte-d'Or department. Originally built in the 12th century, it was profoundly transformed in the 15th and 16th centuries to adapt to the evolutions of war techniques, such as the use of snakes, arches and cannons. This monument illustrates medieval Burgundian military architecture, with defensive elements such as moat fed by the Lochère River, a tributary of the Brenne.

The castle was restored in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style, notably with the construction of a monumental gate between two pillars decorated with pinnacles. This gate, integrated with the fence wall surrounding the half moon of entry, bears the names of the architect and contractor responsible for the works. The moat, the drawbridge and a treed avenue complete this ensemble, inscribed in two historical monuments: the castle in 1929, then these elements in 2008.

Private property, the castle is not freely visited, even during Heritage Days. It was, however, used as a setting for several famous films, including Angélique, Marquise des Anges (1964), Les Trois Musquetaires (1961) and Ni vu, nor known (1958), which contributed to his reputation. The moat, fed by the Lochère, and the drawbridge recall its historic defensive role, while its neo-Gothic portal bears witness to the restorations of the 19th century.

The castle is representative of medieval fortifications adapted to the progress of artillery, while integrating aesthetic elements of later eras. Its inscription in the Historical Monuments underscores its heritage importance, both for its architecture and for its history related to cinema. The commune of Marigny-le-Cahouët, in the Côte d'Or, thus enjoys a remarkable heritage, although not accessible to the public.

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