Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Château de Ménessaire came into being in the 12th century, but its current structure dates mainly from the 17th century, after a complete reconstruction in the Italian Renaissance style. Located in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, it is distinguished by its typical painted tile roofs of Burgundy. The monument was inscribed in the Historical Monuments in 1973 for its facades, roofs and large decorated living room.

On the site of an old, perhaps medieval, strong house, the castle was rebuilt after a fire in the 16th century. Two major campaigns of work took place in the seventeenth century: before 1647, then in the second half of the century. A 17th century painted ceiling, rediscovered in 1991 under an 18th century decor, was classified in 1999. This decor includes allegories, friezes and solives decorated with cartridges and rinceaux.

Today fully restored, the castle is a private property offering guest rooms and gites. Its large living room, with its original décor, and its painted ceiling, hidden for centuries, testify to its rich architectural past. The site is part of a historic enclave of the Gold Coast, in the heart of a territory marked by the rural and forest heritage of Morvan.

The protected elements include facades, roofs, the large living room and its decor, as well as the painted ceiling on the first floor. These successive classifications (1973 and 1999) highlight the heritage importance of the site, combining medieval and Renaissance history. The castle illustrates the Burgundian architectural evolution, between feudal defense and aristocratic residence.

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