Castle of Germolles

Chateau of Germolles - unique princely castle of the dukes of Burgundy

Location: at 3 km from the gites

A proximité: Givry, Mercurey, Chalon sur Saône, the "Voie Verte" cycle track, the Vallée des Vaux

Why we recommend this visit:

  • the Chateau is very easy to find. From the Côte Chalonnaise roundabout on the D 978 follow the sign pointing to the "Unique palais princier des Ducs de Bourgogne", (Unique princely palace of the Dukes of Burgundy)
  • the visits conducted by the owners themselves are exceptional, both for their historical quality and also for the passion the owners convey for the Chateau. They are constantly researching and looking for ways to make new parts of the castle and its dependencies (chapels, pantry etc.) accessible to visitors.
  • the castle dates from the XIVth century, a time about which little is known, at the end of the Middle Ages. The Chateau is not spectacular, but the tour is interesting and diverse, covering the interior, outbuildings, outdoor spaces and exteriors, and it includes original testimonies to the past, such as the recently discovered paving tiles or the original monumental fireplace.
  • it is a place of cultural events of a high level which relate to the Middle Ages. Click here to view the Cultural activities 2018/2019 of chateau de Germolles.
  • there are original and enriching activities for children (art, mosaics) during selected school vacations,
  • we can lend bikes to go there, along nice flat little roads.

A little history: Germolles is one of the few royal country estates, the 'demeure de plaisance' of the time still existing in France, and the most extensively preserved of those of the Dukes of Burgundy. Built originally in the twelfth century, the castle was bought in 1380 by Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy and the most powerful man in the kingdom of France. He was regent and guardian of the future King Charles VI. Married to Margaret of Flanders, the richest heiress in Europe, Philip the Bold began to convert the Chateau of Germolles into a luxurious residence with the assistance of the greatest artists of the Burgundian school.
X. Maglott

Cellar where mozaics have been recently discoveredVue aérienne de GermollesMonumental chimneyCeramics - GermollesGermolles castle South aisle