Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Chazeu Castle, located in Laizy in Saône-et-Loire, was a medieval building of pentagonal plan, surrounded by ditches and with five towers, including a square at the entrance. In the 15th century he belonged to the powerful Rolin family, notably Chancellor Nicolas Rolin, and then to his son, Cardinal Jean Rolin. The current remains, like the monumental chimneys, bear witness to this blissful period. The estate was later reunited by writer Roger de Bussy-Rabutin in the 17th century, who resided there during his forced exile.

Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times, passing from Rolin to Bussy-Rabutin, then to the Rabiot families of Meslé and Mac-Mahon. In 1794 it was sold in lots, and in 1840 the last owners demolished much of the structure to reuse the materials. Today, there are only ruins classified as Historical Monument since 1927. The ancient descriptions, such as those of Madame de Sévigné or Claude Court Sword, evoke a sumptuous place, decorated with paintings and surrounded by an admirable landscape.

The castle of Chazeu illustrates the evolution of medieval fortresses into aristocratic residences, before their decline in modern times. Its history also reflects the political and social upheavals of Burgundy, from feudal lords to post-revolutionary reorganizations. The coveted ditches and collapsed towers remind of a former splendor, while its inscription as historical monuments preserves the memory of this lost heritage.

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