Château de Balleure, Medieval castle in Étrigny, Saône-et-Loire, France.
Château de Balleure is a medieval fortified residence with a rectangular footprint and circular corner towers typical of regional military architecture. The main residential wing extends eastward while a defensive gatehouse anchors the northern entrance.
In 1340, Henri de Sauvement received authorization from the Duke of Burgundy to fortify the residential property with defensive walls and a surrounding moat. This construction initiated the castle's development as a fortified stronghold.
Pierre de Saint-Julien de Balleure, born in the castle in 1519, became a significant French historian who contributed to regional documentation.
The site remains in private hands and typically does not welcome casual visitors without prior contact or arrangement. Those wishing to view the structure should plan accordingly and secure permission in advance.
The castle underwent significant restoration in 1767 under François-Emmanuel de Naturel, carefully preserving architectural layers spanning multiple centuries. Rather than complete renewal, this work respected the building's historical character by retaining original features.
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