Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Montvaillant Castle stands on the town of Clermain, in Saône-et-Loire, on a terrace overlooking the Grosne River. Its architecture consists of a two-storey central house body, framed by two long low wings of lined pavilions. The flat roofs of the wings contrast with the terraces of the main body and pavilions, while a pararon precedes the facade overlooking the park. Private property, it is not open to the public.

The history of the site dates back to the Middle Ages, where a strong house already occupied the place. In the 18th century, the fief belonged to Jean-Baptiste Bridet. The present castle was rebuilt in the 19th century at the site of an old building. In the 20th century, Patrice de Witte, son of the owner, stored a collection of old automobiles in the outbuildings. Today, the estate belongs to Florence de Witte, married Chaintreuil.

The castle illustrates the architectural evolution of bourgeois houses in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, moving from a medieval defensive function to a modern residence. Its history also reflects the social and economic transformations of the region, marked by the aristocratic heritage and then appropriation by bourgeois or industrial families.

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