Boucle locale en espace partagé : du Haut de Châteauneuf

This unusual 5-kilometre route will take you through the commune of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and its surroundings. Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, one of the "most beautiful villages in France", is known for its medieval fortress and its village of the same period. Your walk through the narrow streets of this village, perched on a rocky spur, will transport you to the time of the knights in chain mail.

The fortress can be visited all year round, and there are events during the summer.
Your path will then lead you to the Panthier reservoir, where the various water activities on offer will appeal to young and old alike. Finally, all you have to do is pedal to Vandenesse-en-Auxois, a village on the Burgundy canal.

Before setting off, don't forget to consult our safety advice (link page)

HISTORY OF HERITAGE

Welcome to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval village classified as one of the "most beautiful villages in France"! For this timeless walk, stroll through the flowery village perched on a rocky spur at an altitude of 475 metres and discover the medieval architecture that permeates the town.

The houses, which were built around the castle, have kept all their authenticity of yesteryear and are now the proud representatives of the medieval architecture of Auxois, with their facades in local colours. The houses are also decorated with pediments and stair towers, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Don't hesitate to visit the church of Saint-Jacques and Saint-Philippe and its beautiful statues, which are classified as historical monuments, including a 15th century statue of Saint-Jean-Baptiste attributed to Claus Sluter, the creator of the "Moses Well".

But Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is above all its castle, which seems to dominate the entire village, the Panthier reservoir and the wooded landscapes that stretch around the rocky spur. A protected site since 1936 (just like the village), the castle has kept its medieval appearance, despite some external transformations. Built from 1175 onwards, the building was fortified during the Hundred Years' War with a wall and five towers.

In the 15th century, Philippe Pot, adviser to Philippe le Bon, Duke of Burgundy, and Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, was entrusted with the castle, after the last descendant of the Châteauneuf family died, burned alive at the stake. Catherine de Châteauneuf had indeed poisoned her husband...

Philippe Pot therefore decided to convert the building to make it more comfortable. Thus, a chapel and two lodgings were built. In the Great Hall, the Chevalier had a monumental fireplace built, on which can be read his motto "Tant L Vault" (which can be found in other places in the castle). The chapel is decorated with a magnificent fresco of the apostles. There is also a beautiful collection of 17th century tapestries depicting episodes from the life of Moses.

Then, from the 16th century onwards, the castle passed from family to family, including the Montmorency and Vienne families. Finally, Count Georges de Vogüé gave the castle to the State in 1936. The castle now belongs to the Regional Council of Burgundy.