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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Besne, located in Saint-Peruse in the Nièvre (Burgogne-Franche-Comté), was built in the 15th century after the original feudal castle was destroyed during the conflicts between Charles the Temerary and Louis XI (circa 1474-1475). This first castle, located west of the present near the church, today leaves only two sections of walls. The new castle was erected by Guillaume de Grandrye, squire, who acquired the land of Saint Péreuse and gave it its name in the 15th century. Its vaulted cellars, probably from the thirteenth century, represent a third of the present surface and testify to an earlier occupation.

The estate knew several emblematic lords, such as William II of Grandrye, ambassador and chamberlain of the Duke of Alençon, whose castle was ruined upon his return from Constantinople in 1571. In the 18th century, the seigneury passed into the hands of the Le Peletier family, then was sold in 1794 to Pierre-François Tassin, descendant of a defender of Orleans in 1429, anobished by Louis XVI. The Tassin family of Saint-Peruse still owns it today, with Elie Tassin as current holder.

Architecturally, the castle consists of two houses in square, flanked by four medieval towers. The oldest North House has thick walls, narrow bays and a vaulted cradle room, while the Clock Tower and the commons date back to the late 15th century. The facades, adorned with crucifixed windows and arches in accolade, as well as the 13th century ogival cellars, have been protected as historical monuments since 1975 and 2002. The estate also offers a panorama of the Bazois, 15 km from Château-Chinon.

Among the remarkable features are a Restore style lounge, 15th century monumental fireplaces, and skylights illuminating the attic. The outbuildings ( stables, dovecote, kennel) and the enclosed garden, registered in 2002, complete this historic complex. The castle thus illustrates the architectural and seigneurial evolution of Nivernais, from medieval wars to the Revolution, through the Renaissance and the 19th century transformations.

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