Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Chiseuil stands on the town of Digoin, in Saône-et-Loire, in a landscaped setting marked by a slight tree climb. The main building, structured around a central body and two wings in return for square, is completed with a covered gallery later added. This gallery, surmounted by a balustrade, harmoniously connects the wings in front of the facade. At the back, a garden and a park with a piece of water, designed even before the building of the castle, underline the importance attached to the aesthetics of the outdoor spaces. The estate remains private property and is not open to the public.

Acquired in 1720 by the Maublanc family, enriched by the river trade on the Loire, the castle was probably rebuilt in 1763. The Maublancs, anoblised under Napoleon I in 1813 with the title of Barons of Empire, mark the history of the place: Hyacinthe Maublanc de Chiseuil became deputy of Saône-et-Loire. The 19th century saw major architectural changes, while in the 20th century, the estate moved to Henri de Billy, nephew of the Maublancs. These successive transformations reflect the evolution of the tastes and social status of its owners.

The history of the castle is closely linked to the economic and political rise of the Maublanc family. Their wealth, built on the Ligerian trade, allows them to acquire and transform this domain into a symbol of their power. Architectural changes, especially in the 19th century, illustrate their adaptation to the aesthetic and social norms of the time. Although private, the castle remains a testimony of the influence of local elites in the Burgundy region.

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