Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Château de la Vaivre, located in Rigny-sur-Arroux in Saône-et-Loire, is an architectural complex composed of two distinct parts: the old castle and the modern castle. The old castle, built in the 14th century and remodeled in the 17th century, presents itself as a rectangular house on one floor and attic, flanked by a square tower. It is characterized by a central gate framed by Tuscan pilasters and pediment-shaped windows. Abandoned in the 19th century, it was replaced by a new residence built near the edge of the forest.

In the 19th century, the new castle was built 400 metres from the first, adopting a more modern style with a central body between two wings, a flamboyant chapel integrated with the southern gable, and balustrade terraces. The estate, listed as a historical monument in 2009, retains remarkable elements such as a stone staircase, French ceilings and monumental chimneys. Private property, he doesn't visit.

The history of the castle is marked by several noble families. In the 15th century, Claude de Ganay, grandfather of the poet Pontus de Tyard, was his lord. In the 16th century, François de Ganay, a bourgeois of Charolles, built a castle there, and then the Perard family made changes in the 17th century. In the 18th century, the estate passed by marriage to Bénigne-Germain Le Goux, then was sold in 1728 to Jacques Maublanc, squire. In the 19th century, Baron Antoine de Ponnat, then his grandson Philippe de Ponnat, became owners after various estates.

The coat of arms of the Maublanc (De contre-hermine) and Ponnat (D'or, with three peacock heads torn from Azure) families testify to their influence on the estate. The castle thus illustrates the architectural and social evolution of a Burgundy seigneurial site, from medieval times to contemporary times.

The site is listed in the Merimée base under the code INSEE 71370 (Saône-et-Loire), with an approximate location at 5027 La Vesvre Ouest. Only the houses of the old castle have been protected since the 2009 registration decree, reflecting its heritage importance despite its limited access.

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