First written entry 1307 (≈ 1307)
Tribute of Isabelle de Bazoches to the Count of Nevers
1536
Construction of cellars
Construction of cellars 1536 (≈ 1536)
Arcs in full hanger dated
XVIIe siècle
Construction of communes
Construction of communes XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Beginning of modern seigneurial arrangements
1750
Start of the new castle
Start of the new castle 1750 (≈ 1750)
Incomplete residence project
30 mars 2018
Registration MH
Registration MH 30 mars 2018 (≈ 2018)
Total protection of the domain
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
In total, the Château de Challement and its entire estate, including the remains of the 16th century castle, as well as the gardens with their facilities, in particular hydraulics, the ensemble sitting on plots n°68 to 70 and 90, appearing in the cadastre section ZH: inscription by order of 30 March 2018.
Key figures
Isabeau de Bazoches - Lady of Challement (1307)
Widow of Guillaume Rabuteau, feudal tribute
Guillaume Rabuteau - Knight (early 14th)
Bride of Bazoches
Origin and history
The Château de Challement, located on the eponymous commune in the Nièvre department, has its origins from at least the thirteenth century, with a first mention written in 1307. On that date, Isabeau de Bazoches, lady of Challement and widow of the knight Guillaume Rabuteau, commissioned a prosecutor to pay tribute to the Count of Nevers. This fief, originally occupied by a tower in the background of a valley called the Stool Tower, sees its present castle being structured into three distinct sets: the commons (XVIIth–XVIIIth centuries), the remains of the old medieval castle – of which remains a tower of hexagonal staircase – and a new unfinished castle begun around 1750. The estate extends over landscaped terraces, basins, and an orangery, reflecting the evolution of aristocratic tastes between the Middle Ages and modern times.
The cellars of the castle, dated 1536, bear witness to the transition between the medieval fortress and the seigneurial residence, with arches in the middle of the Renaissance. In the 18th century, the kitchens were modernized, while the commons completed their present form. The castle, partially masked by restoration works since its inscription in the Historical Monuments in 2018, also preserves the traces of a French-style park (linen lines, fountains) and a 19th century farm. These architectural strata illustrate the successive adaptations of a Burgundy seigneury, between defence, prestige and farming.
The history of the site is marked by local noble families, such as the Rabuteau in the 14th century, then unnamed lords in the sources that transform the place into a more comfortable residence in the 16th–15th centuries. The current construction site, while limiting access to the public, aims to preserve this classified complex, including gardens, 16th century remains and hydraulics. However, the accuracy of the archives remains limited, particularly for periods prior to the 17th century, where records are reduced to isolated feudal acts.
