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Origin and history

The castle of Azy was built in 1847 by Count Denis Benoist of Azy, industrialist and deputy of Nièvre, after he had given the castle of Old Azy to his cousin. Designed by architect Angelvin Pierre-Félix Delarue, this charming castle embodies the neo-classical style, blending geometric rigor and symbolic decorations. The facades, decorated with bas-reliefs evoking industry (locomotive, forge, plough), reflect the pride of its sponsor, a businessman engaged in the nascent industrial revolution. The 46-hectare park, planted with century-old trees, and the richly decorated interiors (paintings of Van Loo, wallpapers of the Universal Exhibition of 1851) bear witness to its fascination.

The architectural structure is distinguished by a rectangular body flanked by four octagonal towers and a horse-drawn iron tower, typical of 19th century historical romanticism. The large and bright rooms are served by a stone staircase to the wrought balusters, while the west and east facades feature Corinthian columned forebody and pilasters. The octagonal chapel, housed in a tower, and the arcade galleries in basket cove underline the influence of Italian models, dear to the French aristocracy of the time.

Privately owned since its construction, the castle remained in the Benoist family of Azy until the beginning of the 20th century, before going by alliance to the princes of Croÿ-Solre in 1918. Ranked Historic Monument in 1991 for its architectural elements and interior decorations, it is partially visited and can be rented for events. Its history reflects the social and economic changes of Burgundy in the 19th century, between seigneurial heritage and industrial modernity.

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