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Origin and history

The Château d'Estours is an ancient 14th century fortress located in Crêches-sur-Saône in Saône-et-Loire. Originally built as a defensive building, it was partially rebuilt at the end of the 15th century after destructions related to local conflicts. The castle is surrounded by moats and preserves architectural elements of the 15th, 16th and 18th centuries, including a hexagonal tower, a scauguette and vised stairs.

In the 15th century, the lords Duran and Renaud de Feurs, originally from Lyon, were the first certified owners. Between 1437 and 1443, the castle was occupied by the Scotchers despite a Macon garrison. In 1479, Mâcon's militia looted him and burned him in retaliation for a surrender deemed too rapid to the royal troops. At the end of the 15th century, partial reconstruction was undertaken, and the fief remained in the Feurs family until 1561, despite tensions with the inhabitants of Mâcon.

In the 17th century, the estate became obsolete under the management of farmers. In 1713 Louis Durret, a Forezian knight, acquired and entrusted repairs to the Lyon architect Michelangelo Caristie in 1725. In the 19th century, the castle changed hands several times: sold in 1842 after the death of Louis Charrier de La Roche (Bishop of Versailles), it was bought in 1845 by Émile Devienne, who demolished the south wing in 1870-1871, thus abolishing the 16th century chapel. In 1974, Jean Melinand bought it back and began its restoration.

The castle, a private property, today consists of the north and west wings, a probably primitive round tower, and a dormant bridge crossing the moat. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1984, with protection extended in 2018 to the entire estate, including facades, roofs, stairs, historic chimneys, moat and access bridge. Although not open to the public, it reflects the architectural evolution and local conflicts between the Middle Ages and the modern era.

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