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Origin and history

The castle of Varzy, also called episcopal castle, was built around the middle of the 12th century by Hugues de Noyers, bishop of Auxerre, on the site of a 10th century residence founded by Bishop Gaudry. The latter, who returned from Rome in 923 with relics, had built an episcopal dwelling near the church of St. Eugénie, the initial nucleus of the future castle. Located on the left bank of the creek of Hearts, the site was often coveted and fortified to protect itself from local lords and invasions, such as that of the Normans in the 9th-Xth centuries, during which time relics were sheltered there.

In the 12th century, the castle became a strategic issue: Hugues de Noyers added towers and ditches, while conflicts between the bishops and the Counts of Auxerre and the lords of Donzy. William IV even took Varzy in 1164 before the king ordered his restitution. The following bishops, such as Guillaume de Toucy (1167-1181), expanded the estate and held seats there. The castle was partially destroyed by fire in the 13th century, then rebuilt by Guy de Mello, who adjusted housing along the walls of the enclosure.

From the 15th to the 18th century, the castle served as a principal residence for several bishops, such as Pierre de Longeuil, who died there in 1473, or Nicolas Colbert, brother of the minister of Louis XIV, who died there in 1676 after having arranged walks there. In 1764 Champion de Cicé had the central building rebuilt and a wing demolished. At the time of the Revolution, the castle was sold as a national property and transformed into a faience factory (1794-1803), before becoming a holiday colony in the 20th century. Today owned by the municipality of Varzy, it hosts public events.

The site preserves traces of its medieval past, such as the 15th century buildings spared during renovations, and a chapel dedicated to Saint Regnobert. Its garden houses a statue symbolizing the European Biennale of Forges, recalling local craftsmanship. The archives also reveal its role in feudal conflicts, such as the recognition in 1651 of the bishopric as Donzy's suzerain, thanks to documents exhumed on the spot.

Among the notable anecdotes, the castle housed relics of Saint Laurent and Saint Eugénie, offered by Pope John X at Gaudry in 923, as well as those of Saint Regnobert of Bayeux, hidden during the Norman invasions. These relics were used for the dedication of Saint-Regnobert's church in Auxerre in the thirteenth century. The castle was also the deathplace of several bishops, such as Geoffroy de Champallement in 1076, wishing to be buried in the priory next to La Charité.

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