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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Bazoches, built in the 4th quarter of the 12th century, dominates the first reliefs of Morvan in the north of Nièvre. Its trapezoidal structure, flanked by round towers and a square dungeon, evokes a medieval fortress. The site, originally occupied by a Roman post, became in the 15th century the property of the Chastellux families, Montmorillon, then La Perrière, ancestors of Vauban.

In February 1675, Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633–07) acquired the castle for 69,000 pounds, thanks to the reward received after the capture of Maastricht (1673). He undertook architectural changes, including the addition of a car door and a gallery dedicated to his military engineers. Bazoches then housed the plans of the fortifications of the kingdom, such as those of the Royal tithe (1707), written during his rare stays.

Ranked a historic monument in 1994, the castle preserves memories of Vauban: its bedroom, its library, and a armor. The present owners, descendants of his eldest daughter Charlotte (wife of the Count of Mesgrigny), also exhibit works of art, such as paintings from Hyacinthe Rigaud's workshop or a portrait by Adam Frans van der Meulen. The site remains a testimony of the Marshal's military and family heritage.

The castle appears in the show Secrets d'Histoire (2020, France 3), dedicated to Vauban, and is visited today. Its architecture thus blends medieval heritage and 17th century adaptations, reflecting its dual role as seigneurial residence and strategic headquarters.

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