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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Montmoyen, located in the eponymous village of Côte-d It consists of a body of central houses flanked by two wings in U, surrounded by a vast park whose design is attributed to the famous landscaper André Le Nôtre. A rock niche dated 1647, integrated into the retaining wall, bears witness to the early development of the estate.

Originally founded as a feudal castle in the 12th century, the site was radically redesigned in the 17th century. In 1655 Antoine-Bernard I of Massol and his wife Catherine Coquet acquired the land and seigneuries of Montmoyen for 72,000 pounds. The estate remained in their family until 1801, when it was sold to M. Mairetet de Minot by the heirs of Antoine Marguerite de Massol. The castle then changed hands several times: occupied by holiday colonies from 1956, it became property of the Algerian state in 1962 before being abandoned in 1970.

Purchased in 1989 by François and Élisabeth Hamy, the castle is undergoing an ambitious restoration. Since 1990, the castle, its terraces, the rock niche, the dovecote, the fountain with the Sanglier and the entrance gate are listed in the inventory of historical monuments. Although the furniture is private and the site is not visited, its architecture and history make it a remarkable heritage of the Châtillonnais.

The castle is distinguished by its proximity to a neo-Gothic church decorated with gargoyles, highlighting its anchoring in the local landscape. Its park, although less documented than those of Versailles or Chantilly, illustrates the influence of French-style gardens in Burgundy properties. The protected elements, such as the Sanglier Fountain, reflect the typical features of the seigneurial residences of the modern era.

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