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Origin and history

The Château de Montcoy, located in the town of Saône-et-Loire, is distinguished by its facade in pink bricks contrasting with the greenery of the surrounding park. Access is done by a balustrade stone bridge, replacing an old drawbridge demolished in the 19th century. The main body, rectangular and flanked by two asymmetrical wings, has dormant windows and curved pediments. A piece of water and the remains of a primitive fortress structure the park, while the moats recall its defensive origin. Listed in the Additional Inventory of Monuments Historical since 1996, there remains a private property whose exteriors are accessible on request.

The history of the Montcoy fief is marked by frequent changes in owners until the 17th century. In 1422, Antoine de Granges, from a powerful francoese family, was the first known lord. The fief then passed into the hands of the houses of Grammont, Dammartin, Bauffremont, Lugny, and Montcony before being acquired in 1661 by François de Damascus. In 1670 he gave him to Étienne Lantin, the king's adviser, who abandoned the old castle to build the current central building. 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's transmission continued until 1867, when Antoine Lantin, the last Baron of Montcoy, died. At the end of the 19th century, Father Bernard de Riverielx de Varax bequeathed the castle to his cousin Régis de Rivérieulx de Varax, whose descendants still own it. The site preserves elements from the 15th and 18th centuries, mixing medieval heritage and classical transformations. The coats of arms and lions carved at the entrance evoke its past prestige, while the stone bands and pediments highlight its architectural elegance.

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