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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château Rouillaud is an emblematic monument of Pesmes, in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, whose origins date back to the medieval defensive system of the city. Built to control the Loigerot Gate, one of the main entrances, it bears witness to a first construction campaign in the 15th century with its southern wing. This building, originally linked to the seigneury of Pesmes, was destroyed during medieval wars before being partially rebuilt.

The present castle, in the shape of L, results from two distinct phases: the south wing of the 15th century and the north wing of the 16th century, connected by a square tower housing a spiral staircase. This last part, probably built by Guyon Mouchet, lord of Château Rouillaud and husband of Stephentte Perrenot de Granvelle, reflects the influence of this family linked to the Granvelle. The castle, sold as a national property during the Revolution of 1789, was then damaged before being restored from 1891 by a sole proprietor.

Ranked a historic monument in 1977 for its facades, roofs and staircases, the Rouillaud castle preserves traces of its military and seigneurial past. Its former cellar, transformed into a 19th century dwelling, illustrates the successive adaptations of the building. Today located on Rue des Châteaux in Pesmes, there remains an architectural testimony of the transitions between the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Haute-Saône.

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