Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The château de Verrey, located in the commune of Verrey-sous-Salmaise (Côte d'Or), is a 3rd quarter of the 18th century building built on the remains of a stronghold attested from 1027. This strategic site, transmitted by marriage alliances, passes into the hands of noble families such as the Ruffey, Bournonville, or Bizouard, which make it a fortified residence surrounded by ditches and walls. In 1683, the estate belonged to Anne d'Anchemont and her husband André Bizouard, who preserved its medieval structures, including a drawbridge.

In 1769 Guillaume de Thésut undertook a major reconstruction of the castle, adding a castral chapel, a rich library and an archaeological collection. This project reflects the influence of the Enlightenment and the taste for science in the Burgundy aristocracy. Confiscated during the Revolution, the castle was classified as a Historic Monument in 1944 for its architecture and history, although its owners have succeeded each other without notable continuity since then.

The present castle, masked by a park with trees, has a long facade adorned with a sculpted pediment of justice, concealing French gardens. Nearby, a second 17th century castle, transformed into a farm, recalls the seigneurial duality of the village. The site, marked by centuries of transformation, illustrates the evolution of noble residences in Burgundy, between medieval defense and classical elegance.

Its classification in 1944 highlights its heritage value, both for its architecture and for its role in local history. Sources, such as the Merimée database or Wikipedia, confirm its exact address (1 Bis Place du Château) and its private property status, without specifying its current accessibility to the public.

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