Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Arcenay, located in Lacour-d'Arcenay in Côte-d-Or (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté), finds its origins in the 14th century with a medieval structure, profoundly redesigned between 1748 and 1750 by architect Jean-Baptiste Caristie. The latter gives it its present appearance, inspired by the central pavilion of the nearby Lacour castle, with an H-shaped plan composed of a central body and two wings with skylight roofs. The estate includes outbuildings such as a barn and a dovecote, and is already on the map Cassini (18th century) and on the cadastre (1823). The park, covering several parcels, was listed as historic monuments on May 29, 2020.

The fief of Arcenay is attested from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries under lords bearing this name, before passing to the families of Couches, then of Louvois. In 1519 he was married to John II of Conygham, captain of the Scottish guards, marking a period of transition before the 18th century transformations. The castle has since remained in the same family line, whose present owners are direct descendants. Its location, close to the pond of the hamlet of Arcenay, and its precise address (2, rue de Dompierre-en-Morvan) underline its historic territorial anchor.

The architecture of the castle reflects a superposition of the epochs: the medieval base of the 14th century, visible in some structural elements, contrasts with the classical facades of the 18th century. The outbuildings (grange, dovecote) bear witness to his past role as an agricultural and seigneurial estate. The replica of the central pavilion of the Château de Lacour in the same communal territory reinforces its heritage interest, while its mention on ancient documents (Cassini, cadastre) confirms its lasting local importance.

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