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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Tracy, located in Tracy-sur-Loire in the department of Nièvre (Burgogne-Franche-Comté), is a building whose origins date back to the 15th century, with major changes in the 1st quarter of the 16th century. It stands on the right bank of the Loire River, close to a water reservoir, and has been partially listed as historical monuments since 1967 (passion of entry and dungeon) and 2007 (structures, facades and roofs). Its architecture reflects a transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with characteristic decorations of the latter period, as evidenced by the poterne dated 1567.

The castle is linked to the Stutt family, of Scottish origin, who arrived in France in 1419 to fight alongside the future Charles VII. Awarded for their service, they obtain land and integrate into the local aristocracy, holding military and civilian functions. François Stutt, Governor of Cosne-sur-Loire in the 16th century, illustrates this ascent. A parchment of 1396 also attests to the ancient presence of a vineyard on the estate, activity still associated with the castle today.

In the 18th century, the philosopher and officer Antoine Destutt of Tracy inherited the estate, marking a new page in his history. In the 20th century, the castle became a cultural place: the writer Georges Simenon wrote his first novels there, and the cinema invited him with the filming of The Faithful Woman (1976) by Roger Vadim. Although the castle is not fully visited, its wine estate organizes events and guided outdoor tours, especially during European Heritage Days.

Architecturally, the castle originally formed a square around an inner courtyard, of which only elements such as the dungeon and a tower remain today. The interior changes, particularly in the 19th century, altered its original structure, while the northeast wing retained a 17th century structure. The site, still owned by the family of Estutt d'Assay, thus combines historical heritage with contemporary wine-growing activities.

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