Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Vassy is a monument located in Etaule, in the department of Yonne, in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Built in 1658, it is associated with the Cromot family, who then acquired the lands of the seigneury of Vassy and La Vaire. This castle, of classical style, is an example of 17th century seigneurial architecture, marked by the influence of local noble families.

The Cromot Chapel, built in 1700, is a central part of the estate. Originally church of the village dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was restored in the 20th century by Abbé Bernard Ferrand, who incorporated historical elements such as a pink granite altar from the Abbey of the Pierre-qui-Vire. This chapel reflects the religious and artistic heritage of the Cromot and Saillans families, whose coats of arms still adorn inside.

The castle was listed as historic monuments in 1997, recognizing its heritage value. In 2019, a contemporary artistic intervention is led by Marc Couturier, who designs a golden cross and stained glass for the chapel, mixing heritage and modernity. These additions highlight the cultural vitality of the site, while preserving its centuries-old history.

The Cromot and Saillans families, symbolized by their coats of arms in the chapel, played a major role in the history of the castle. Baron Jules-David Cromot du Bourg, Superintendent of Finance for the future Louis XVIII, and Count François-Louis de Saillans embody the political and social importance of these lines. Their presence has long marked the identity of the domain.

The chapel also houses objects related to local religious history, such as a cross from the Florimontan colony, founded in 1926 by Abbé Ferrand for the children of Yonne. These elements illustrate the close links between the castle, the village community and religious institutions, reflecting a noble, spiritual and social history.

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