Château de Lucenier en Saône-et-Loire

Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Lucenier Castle, located in a green valley of La Chapelle-au-Mans (Saône-et-Loire), is an ancient medieval fortress built in the 14th century. It was part of the defensive system of the Duchy of Burgundy, erected at the request of the Duke who demanded from his vassals the construction of castles or fortified houses to protect the borders. Its architecture combines a 14th century house corps, flanked by two round towers, and an 18th century wing, reflecting its evolution between military function and seigneurial residence.

The residential part occupies the eastern corner of the enclosure, while the inner courtyard is closed by modern agricultural buildings. In the west, the old poterno, converted into a dwelling, bears witness to its fortified past. Private property for centuries, the castle crossed several hands, including those of the families of Priezac, Montmorillon, and Perrot, before returning to the Montmorillons in the 19th century. It remains inaccessible to the public, preserving its historical and intimate character.

Prior to 1603, Bertrand de Priezac was the owner, before Jehan de Montmorillon, lord of Essanlé, acquired it. The Montmorillon family retained the estate until the Revolution, then passed into the hands of Jean-Baptiste Perrot, master of the forges at Gueugnon, in 1794. At the beginning of the 19th century, Hugues Desplaces became its owner, before Leopold Saladin, Marquis de Montmorillon, bought it back in 1829. Since then, the castle has remained in this family, embodying an uninterrupted seigneurial heritage.

The site, partially surrounded by a pond, illustrates the adaptation of medieval fortresses to the residential needs of later eras. Its history reflects the political and social changes of Burgundy, from its defensive role under the dukes to its transformation into aristocratic abode. Today, its status as private property limits access, but its architecture and past make it a silent witness to local history.

External links