Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The estate of the Château de Layé and the Vieux-Château, located in Vinzelles in Saône-et-Loire, is a remarkable architectural complex of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. It is distinguished by the presence of two distinct castles: the Old Castle, also known as Vinzelles Castle, and the Layé Castle, both partly dating from the 13th century. These buildings illustrate the evolution of construction techniques and seigneurial uses throughout the centuries, with traces of further occupation and restoration.

The Old Castle, whose origins date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, suffered several attacks before being restored in 1621. Abandoned to farmers in the 18th century, it gradually fell into ruins. The castle of Layé, also built in the 13th century, was partially destroyed by fire before being restored in the early 19th century. The architectural complex comprises three bodies of buildings flanked by square towers, organized around a central courtyard. Dry ditches and a foreyard lined with dependencies complete this defensive and agricultural scheme.

Between the two castles is a cellar, an elongated building built on vaulted cellars. This space houses monumental presses, one of which bears an engraved date of 1716, or 1776, reflecting the historical wine-growing activity of the estate. The estate has been listed as historic monuments since 29 October 2003, protecting all buildings, presses, gateways, and surrounding parcels, including landscape elements such as the boom and access avenue.

Today, the estate belongs to a private company. Although its current status in terms of visits or uses (room rental, guest rooms) is not specified in the sources, its inscription as historical monuments guarantees the preservation of this emblematic heritage of Saône-et-Loire. The location of the site, near Mâcon, makes it an important witness to the medieval and modern history of Burgundy.

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