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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of the Mesnil, located in the center of Brazey-en-Plaine in the Gold Coast, is a modern monument dating back to the 18th century. Built by the family of Mesnil, anobliated under Louis XV, it was transformed in the early 19th century by Jean-Baptiste Eugène Jobard du Mesnil, son of Jean Baptiste Jobard, Baron of Empire and mayor of the village. The latter, captain of the National Guard and then sub-prefect of Autun, was made Baron by Napoleon in 1809.

The architecture of the castle combines classical and Oriental elements, with neo-Egyptian columns on the perrons and a neo-Gothic and renaissance chapel decorated with Egyptian motifs. The 1551 Porch Tower is equipped with cannon guns, while the park houses an observatory tower built by Eugène Dumesnil. The chapel, the only part classified, has been listed as historical monuments since 2006.

Acquired by the town in 1905, the castle was restored and renovated in the 20th century to accommodate public services such as a post office and a dance hall. The estate also includes an 18th-century dovecoier and a landscaped park, reflecting successive changes to the site. Today, there remains a notable example of local heritage, combining family history and contemporary adaptations.

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