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Origin and history

Cormatin Castle, located in Saône-et-Loire on an island on the Grosne River, was built between 1606 and 1626 by Antoine du Blé d'Uxelles, a small noble who had been enriched during the wars of religion. Appointed military governor of Chalon by Henry IV, he erected this castle in a Renaissance style tinted with military influences (bossages, turrets), inspired by the Chalon citadel to display his social ascent. The works, led by architect Jacques Gentillâtre from 1614, included a main house body and a wing in return for square, with luxurious interior arrangements such as an empty cage staircase, rare in France.

The interior decoration, conducted in the 1620s by Jacques du Blé, husband of Claudine Phelypeaux and close to Marie de Medici, reflects the Baroque taste of the time. More than sixty paintings were bought in Paris to adorn the apartments, including those of the Marquise d'Uxelles, which now conserved panelling, Cordoba leathers, and painted ceilings attributed to masters such as Rigaud or Van de Velde. The castle even welcomed Louis XIII and Richelieu in 1629, marking its political importance.

The estate, transmitted to the Beringhen and then to the Dezoteux, underwent major transformations: partial destruction in the 19th century for a factory of Indian women, frequented by Lamartine (linked to the family of Pierreclau), and renovations under Raoul Gunsburg, director of the opera of Monte-Carlo, which received there singers like Caruso. Ranked a historic monument in 1862, the castle was restored from 1980 by its current owners, who also recreated its French-style gardens, inspired by 17th century plans.

The gardens, originally built in 1620 and simplified in the 18th century, were destroyed around 1815 before being rebuilt between 1990 and 1993. They now include a box maze, an old-fashioned vegetable garden, and rare species such as Virginia tulip trees, planted by Pierre Dezoteux after his return from America. The castle, still privately owned, is open to the public and integrated with the Castle Route in Burgundy South.

Among the remarkable elements are an empty cage staircase (the oldest in France), painted panels, and four 13th century stained glass windows from the Sainte-Chapelle de Paris. The site was also a filming venue for the show Secrets d'Histoire (2018), dedicated to Marie de Medici, highlighting her connection to French royal history.

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