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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Auzon Castle, also known as Ozon, is located in Lucenay-lès-Aix in Nièvre, on the edge of the Allier department, on the banks of the Auzon River (or Ozon). Certified as a fief in the 15th century, it was called a 17th century castle without defensive character. The current building, rebuilt under the Restoration, consists of a central body and two asymmetrical wings, made of stone and brick covered with coating. Its 30-hectare park, redesigned in 1849 by the Count of Chulot, includes landscape elements (artificial lake, driveways, factories) and rare species, some of which come from Balaine's arboretum.

The estate belonged to noble families such as the Gentiles (XVth-15th centuries), then to personalities such as François Charrier, Mayor of Moulins and President of the General Council of Allier, who modernized the castle in the 1830s. His daughter, Clementine Chabot, commanded the present park in Chulot. The castle was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War (1940–44), and was liberated by the French Forces from within. The park, classified as a refuge for biodiversity (circumstances, bats), is partially open to the public during Heritage Days.

The protected elements since 2024 include facades, roofs, gates, and the entire park with its factories. The castle, still privately owned, illustrates the architectural and landscape evolution of a Burgundy estate between the Middle Ages and the 19th century, marked by bourbonnais influences (polychrome bricks) and water (lake, river).

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