Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Lantilly Castle, located in Cervon in Nièvre, is a mansion whose origins date back to the 14th century. Initially a medieval fortress controlling an ancient road near Anguison, it was partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion. The current remains include a northwest wing with its tower and a northeast wing, surrounded by two moat circuits fed by the river.

In the 17th century, the castle was rebuilt on the ruins of the medieval building, then modified in the 19th century. Inside, medieval elements such as authentic frames and a ceiling in beams and torchi remain. The hydraulic system, including fountains, aisles and valves, remained intact, demonstrating its defensive and aesthetic importance.

The seigneury of Lantilly, moving in the County of Château-Chinon, successively belonged to noble families such as the Torcy (XVIth–XVIIIth centuries), the Dugons, the Damascuss, and the Some. In the 19th century, the Viscount Alexis de Gabriac, minister plenipotentiary under Napoleon III, became its owner after his marriage to Valentine Formé. Since 1910, the castle belongs to the Ramillon family.

Ranked a historic monument in 1985 (doves, dovecote, dovecote) and in 2005 (facades, interiors, gardens and hydraulic facilities), the castle is now visited. It offers guest rooms and hosts events, while preserving its historical character with elements such as a 17th century staircase or a medieval geminied bay window.

The architecture reflects its transformations: the northwest wing and its tower, with a four-slope roof, dominate the moat. The inner courtyard, enhanced in 1810 to avoid flooding, opens with a two arched sleeping bridge. The thick walls, the cannons and the remains of the hoards recall its defensive past, while the 17th and 19th century developments illustrate its residential evolution.

Future

The castle is now converted into a guest room and host of family events and is visited from June to September every day from 2pm to 6pm (closed on Tuesday), the rest of the year by reservation.

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