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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Montcoy Castle, located in the eponymous town of Saône-et-Loire, is a 17th-century pink brick building built on the remains of a medieval fortress. Its architecture combines a rectangular central body, asymmetric wings, and defensive elements such as moat and carved lions marking the location of an old drawbridge. The western facade dominates a piece of water, while the park retains the irregular layout of the former fortress.

The history of the castle is marked by frequent changes of owners until the 17th century. In 1670, Étienne Lantin, king's adviser and master in the Chamber of Accounts of Dijon, abandoned the old castle and had the present building built. In the 18th century, his great-grandson, colonel to the regiment of Enghien, added the left wing according to the plans of architect Niepce. The estate remains in the Lantin family and then passes to the Rivérieulx of Varax, descendants of the donataires of the 19th century.

The castle, a private property, has been listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments since 1996. Its richly decorated interiors (woodworks, Versailles parquet floors, wooden stairs and wrought iron) reflect 17th to 19th century developments. Although the exteriors are accessible on request, the site retains an intimate character, linked to its family history and its role as a seigneurial residence in Chalonese Bresse.

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