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Origin and history

Chazeuil Castle is a former 14th century castle, now in ruins, located in the western part of the village of Chazeuil, Burgundy-Franche-Comté. The remains remain on a polygonal enclosure once flanked by eight round towers, surrounded by ditches today filled. The entrance was to the west, between two towers, and the interior, largely destroyed, still retains a staircase leading to the courtyards and a tank being released. The large square tower, 30 metres high, housed a vaulted dungeon accessible by a narrow trappoon, as well as higher rooms today very degraded.

The main tower, called tower-saule, 22 meters high, is the most impressive yet standing element. It includes a vaulted cellar, an elevated ground floor and two floors, with an oriental facade pierced with nine bays. The castle, mentioned as ruined in the 19th century, was partially restored in the 20th century, including the reconstruction of the northeast tower. A round dovecote, with more than 1200 bolts, completes the recently restored set. The ruins have been listed as historical monuments since 16 December 1937.

Historical sources evoke a fortress surrounded by ditches and a drawbridge until the mid-19th century, as described by Abbé Tynturier in 1840. The site, today on a private property, preserves traces of its defensive past, with courtines in medium apparatus and partially rebuilt towers. The cadastre of 1837 reveals a rectangular structure with square turrets, now extinct, with the exception of their footprint.

The architecture of the castle reflects its medieval defensive role, with elements such as barbacans, massive chimneys and walled windows. The modern restoration has preserved some elements, such as the tower and the dovecote, while respecting the historical aspect of the site. Despite the destruction, the castle remains an important testimony of 14th century military architecture in Burgundy.

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