Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Chaumont-la-Guiche, located in Saint-Bonnet-de-Joux en Saône-et-Loire, is an ancient fortress transformed into a Renaissance residence in the early 16th century by Pierre de La Guiche. The latter, ambassador and royal adviser, rebuilt the castle after its destruction in 1477 during the wars of Burgundy. His son, Philibert de La Guiche, added a central building and a wing in return in the 16th century, giving the estate its majestic appearance.

The stables, built between 1648 and 1652 by François Blondel for Henriette de La Guiche, are an architectural masterpiece inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. They could house 99 horses, a symbol of prestige similar to that of the king. Ranked a historic monument in 1982, they illustrate the equestrian importance under the Old Regime.

In the 19th century, the castle was partially rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style by Charles Laisné, while the English-style park was built by architect Chatelain. The estate, registered in 2017, retains traces of its successive transformations, mixing Renaissance, classicism and romanticism.

The family of La Guiche, owner since 1416, has marked the history of the place, notably by its opposition to the massacres of Saint Barthélemy and its links with the royal courts. The castle, now private but partially open, bears witness to five centuries of Burgundy and French history.

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