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Origin and history

Chassy Castle, located in Montreuillon in Nièvre, has its origins in the Middle Ages as Cassiacum. Set on the left bank of the Yonne, it was originally a strong house armed with four round towers, overlooking a strategic valley where several roads cross. Remnants of this era remained at the end of the 19th century, testifying to its defensive and seigneurial role. The seigneury of Chassy, moving from the Duchy of Nevers, extended over three parishes: Montreuillon, Montigny and Mhère, reflecting its local importance.

In 1305, the fief belonged to Robert de Compont, squire, before going by alliance to the family of Varigny. In 1475, during the conflicts between Louis XI and Charles the Temerary, the fort house was destroyed. In the 16th century, the seigneury was fragmented between the families of Esguilly and Montsaunin, before being reunited by Jacques d'Esguilly in 1575. The latter, married to Claude de Chastellux, consolidated the estate, preparing for its subsequent reconstruction.

The present castle was rebuilt in 1649 by Jacques I of Choiseul, Count of Chevigny, and his wife Madeleine de Malain, on the foundations of the old strong house. The family of Choiseul kept the property until the Revolution. The site, with preserved ditches, an inner chapel and commons dating from 1743, became a symbol of seigneurial power. In the 18th century, it housed a châtellenie du Duchy of Nevers, generating revenues through feudal rights (prevouted, tolls, fines).

In 1807, the castle passed to the Talleyrand-Périgord, then was acquired around 1870 by Henri Parent, notary and painter. In the 20th century, it became the residence of artist Balthus (1953–1961), who made a major part of his work there. The chapel Saint-Bernard, rebuilt in the 18th century, recalls Bernard de Clairvaux's passage in 1146, according to local tradition. Since 1975, facades, roofs and fence walls have been protected as historical monuments.

Architecturally, the castle combines medieval elements (story vaulted, cannons) and classics (pediment windows, 17th century panelling). The commons, dated 1743, and a wrought iron grid (1747) complete the whole. The sculpted shield above the door, although damaged, carries the weapons of the Choiseul and Malain. The site, marked by fires (1605) and transformations, illustrates the evolution of a morvandelle seigneury over seven centuries.

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