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Origin and history

Brancion Castle, located in Martailly-lès-Brancion in Saône-et-Loire, is an ancient castle with origins dating back to the twelfth century. Its remains, classified as a historical monument in 1977, reflect a strategic fortress overlooking a pass between Cluny and the Saône. The site, occupied from ancient times by a Gallic fortress, became in the Middle Ages the property of the Gros de Brancion family, known for its battles and conflicts with Cluny Abbey.

In the 12th century, the seigneuries of Brancion and Uxelles were united under the control of the castles of Brancion, Uxelles, Boutavant and Nanton. In 1259, Henry III Gros de Brancion sold these lands to Duke Hugues IV of Burgundy, marking the beginning of a ducal period of more than two centuries. The castle, reinforced by the Dukes, became a key place with a permanent garrison and a house named "Beaujeu". At the end of the 14th century, Jean de Charette was the chestnut.

In 1477, the castle entered the royal domain after the death of Charles the Temerary. He was then hired to lords such as John III of Lugny, Count of Brancion in 1548, and then passed into the hands of Saulx-Tavannes, who made him a stronghold of the Catholic League during the Wars of Religion. Racked in 1594 by the troops of Henry IV, the castle was in decline. In the 18th century, it changed hands before being bought in 1844 by M. de La Roque, then restored from 1959 by the Murard family of Saint-Romain.

Since 2005, the Association La Mémoire Médiévale manages the restoration and opening to the public, with more than 10,000 annual visitors. Archaeological excavations in 2005 revealed traces of 8th century habitat and remains of the year millet. The castle, composed of three fortified enclosures, a square dungeon and a seigneurial house, remains a major testimony of medieval military architecture in Burgundy.

Today, the site is open to the public and participates in the development of Burgundy heritage. It is part of the Route des châteaux in southern Burgundy and welcomes cultural activities. The restoration works, supported by inmates at the end of the sentence, aim to preserve this emblematic monument, classified among the fourteen exceptional places in the region.

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