Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Villersexel Castle, located in the Haute-Saône department, is a neo-Louis XIII building designed by architect Eugene Gustave Edouard Danjoy and built between 1882 and 1887. It replaces a former castle destroyed in 1871 during the Battle of Villersexel, formerly belonging to the Grammont family. Furniture, interior decorations (such as Gobelins tapestries or the 10,000 volume library) and outbuildings (farm, orangery, ride) also date from this period of reconstruction.

The castle, now a private residence housing a museum and reception halls, is protected by several decrees: classification of stables and houses in 2005, inscription of the park (including the ruins of the old castle) and facades of the adjoining buildings in 2001 and 2005. Its architecture combines English references (like the bowl-window) and modern techniques for the era, with metal structures integrated into the floors and the honorary staircase.

The park, crossing the Ognon River, preserves the remains of the previous castle, while the interiors reflect the 19th century fascist: high ceilings (up to 6.5 meters), 72 meters gallery, neo-Gothic dining room with rococo chandelier and black marble fireplace, and large living room decorated with historic tapestries. The outbuildings, such as the farm attributed to Nicolas Ledoux or the former 18th century carousel, complete this architectural ensemble.

Originally inscribed in 1981, the castle illustrates the adaptation of local elites after the 1870 war, combining aristocratic heritage (family weapons painted on the ceiling) and technical innovations. Its voluntary dissymmetry between the east and west wings aims to evoke fictitious seniority, while distinguishing the functions of spaces. Today, the site hosts private events and visits, perpetuating its social and cultural role.

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