Château de Vésigneux

The Château de Vésigneux is a castle in Saint-Martin-du-Puy with a square keep and a 17th-century facade, reached through a tree-lined avenue leading to a two-arched bridge. The estate includes moats, terraces, a dovecote, and stables that form part of the protected grounds.

Built in the 14th century, the castle suffered damage during the Hundred Years War before the Bourbon family restored it in the late 16th century. This restoration brought most of the architectural features we see today.

The chapel on the ground floor displays 17th-century paintings that you can see covering the walls, giving visitors insight into how the family expressed their faith through art. The rooms inside still hold Gobelins and Aubusson tapestries that show the wealth and taste of those who lived here.

The grounds are accessible via a tree-lined avenue with parking options, and the outdoor areas with terraces are easy to explore. Your visit length depends on whether you view only the exterior or also explore the interior chapel and rooms.

The estate was registered as a historical monument in 2012 and is surrounded by woodlands and ponds that form a rare preserved natural landscape in the Nievre region. This natural setting creates a peaceful backdrop that distinguishes it from other restored castles.