Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Passy-les-Tours, located in Varennes-lès-Narcy in the Nièvre, was built at the end of the 14th century by Jean de Chevenon, advisor to Charles VI of France. Its architecture, inspired by the Château de Vincennes, is characterized by a rectangular plan of 50 meters side, flanked by four round towers and a 25 meters high dungeon. This strong castle, symbol of power, dominates the village that takes its name from it.

During the Hundred Years' War, the castle was occupied from 1422 by Perrinet Gressart, a captain who resisted Jeanne d'Arc during the siege of La Charité-sur-Loire in 1429. The Wars of Religion caused significant damage to the monument, including the destruction of the house and the walls of the building. The current remains include a southeast tower with thick walls, some of the moat and elements of the dungeon.

In 1782 the castle became the property of the Marquis de Vergennes, a politician and diplomat. Over the centuries, its owners used its stones for other constructions, reducing its initial grip. Ranked historic monument in 2018 after a first inscription in 1927, it is now preserved by the association Les Tours de Passy, which works for its preservation and enhancement.

Its architecture, marked by royal influences like those of the Château de Vincennes, bears witness to its strategic and symbolic importance. The remains, including a corner tower and defensive elements, offer an overview of its medieval past. The site, open to the visit, allows you to discover this emblematic Nivernais heritage.

External links