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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Tramayes, located in the department of Saône-et-Loire, was built in the 4th quarter of the 16th century on a pass separating the valleys of Grosne and Valouze. Originally surrounded by a fortified enclosure with towers, it consists of a body of rectangular houses, two square towers at 45°, a higher central tower and a tower overlooking it. Its west facade, connected to the park by a balustrade porch, contrasts with the eastern facade, marked by a balcony connecting the towers and a door in vermiculated boss, vestige of an old drawbridge. This historic entrance is overtaken by three consoles.

The history of the castle dates back to 1380, with the creation of the seigneury by Marguerite de Mailly for Antoine-Isabeau Villion. In the mid-16th century, the Bullion family, including Claude de Bullion, gradually acquired the fief. In 1599 Mathurin Bullion obtained permission from Henry IV to strengthen his home, a work that had already begun a year ago. The estate then changed hands several times: bought in 1672 by Claude Bullion (Lord of Tramayes), then passed on to Charles de Rymon in 1684, before being assigned to Aimé Severt in 1687, then to the Damascus family until the Revolution.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the castle passed into the hands of local notables: the Marquis de Mailly de Châteaurenaud sold it in 1807 to Antoine de la Charme, notary, who sold it three months later to Claude Bruys, mayor of Tramayes and friend of Lamartine. In 1825 he undertook a major restoration: filling the ditches, destroying the walls of the enclosure, modifying the openings and creating a park. In the 20th century, the castle belonged to Countess Christian de Quatrebarbes, born Gersende de Sabran-Pontevès. Ranked historic monument in 1977 for its facades, roofs and dovecote, there remains a private property, although its park is accessible to the public.

The castle illustrates the architectural evolution of the seigneurial residences, moving from a medieval fortress to a pleasant residence. Its dovecote, also protected, bears witness to the economic importance of colombia farming in noble areas. The 19th century transformations reflect romantic taste for landscape parks, while partially erasing the original defensive traces. Today, the site preserves remarkable elements such as the curved front of the front door or the band belting the constructions, reminders of its Renaissance past.

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