Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Durtal Castle, built in the 14th century in Montpont-en-Bresse (Saône-et-Loire), was an imposing fortress with square towers, a double enclosure with marshy ditches and a drawbridge. Today, only a 14th century brick tower remains, flanking a 16th century rectangular house, as well as the remains of the moat. The commons, made of wood and brick, surround a central courtyard. A 1584 text describes its defences as "out of climbing", highlighting its defensive role marked by deep ditches and a unique access via the drawbridge.

The history of the castle is marked by changes of owners from the seventeenth century. In 1673 he belonged to Alexandre de Périeux du Crozet, then in 1755 to his grandson, François-Florimond du Crozet, and to his sister, Madame de Lassale. The latter managed to keep him during the Revolution, despite the emigration of his nephew, before leaving him. In the 19th century, the castle, threatened with ruin, was partially razed in 1825 by its heir. After 1830, it was passed on to Marie-Françoise du Crozet, wife of Chamouroux, and sold in 1864 to become a farm. Since 2010, renovations have been under way.

Architecturally, the castle illustrates the evolution of styles between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with medieval defensive elements (mâchicoulis, moats) and Renaissance additions (rectangular logis). Although private property and not open to the public, there remains a testimony of the seigneurial history of the Burgundy Bresse, documented in local sources such as the magazine Images de Saône-et-Loire (1978) or the works of Martinet (1910).

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