Château de Chastellux, by Philippe de Chastellux

The Château de Chastellux, located in Chastellux-sur-Cure, Yonne, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, is a significant historical structure with elements from the 11th, 13th, 15th, and 19th centuries. This French castle is unique as it is still inhabited by the family that built it, which is rare in France. The oldest existing part, the Saint-Jean tower, was constructed around 1080 AD.

The château initially began as a Roman fort made of wood and stone, with its location on the banks of the Cure providing strategic advantages. Over the centuries, it has been continuously expanded, embellished, and restored by successive generations of the Chastellux family. Its location on a rocky peak overlooking the Cure made it an essential fortress in medieval times, especially for defending the borders of Burgundy.

In more recent times, members of the Chastellux family have played significant roles in history, including participation in the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolution. The castle suffered considerable damage during the revolution, including the loss of medieval weapons, looting of the winery, and destruction of furniture and archives.

Today, the Château de Chastellux is a tourist attraction and a site for historical research. It offers guided tours conducted by the current owner, Count Philippe de Chastellux, providing personal family history and interesting stories about the castle. Visitors can enjoy exploring this historically rich castle and its grounds, gaining insights into the lives and times of its inhabitants over the last millennium.