The Château de Ménessaire is distinguished by its U-shaped layout and four towers. The Maison du Seigle and Fontaine St Aubin add other themes: former rye cultivation and religious traditions surrounding a spring. Those considering Ménessaire as a travel destination can explore a range of cultural highlights, from château history and past living conditions to local religious history.
Château de Ménessaire: Architectural History and Design
The Château de Ménessaire stands on the site of a former fortified house and a castle built at the end of the 14th century. Its present-day appearance dates from the 17th century. These two dates refer to different aspects: the end of the 14th century applies to the castle on the site, while the 17th century refers to its current design. Its architectural features include a U-shaped layout with four towers, moats and sturdy bridges. The Château has been listed as a Monument historique since 1973.
Maison du Seigle: Rye and Living Conditions
The Maison du Seigle presents rye cultivation, objects made from rye straw, Morvan thatched-roof houses and carts. Rye is presented as a symbol and testament to historical living conditions in the Morvan, from the Ancien Régime to the mid-20th century. The history of its former cultivation is also covered; it disappeared in the 1950s. By bringing together a crop, straw crafts, houses and carts, the theme extends beyond cultivation to the material culture of everyday life.
Tours for groups and school classes are available year-round by prior reservation. The Maison du Seigle is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Confirm your reservation and the current access conditions before travelling.
Fontaine St Aubin and Église St Aubin
Fontaine St Aubin is open to the public and can be visited via a communal path; check local access before your visit. The structure is a spring enclosure made of dressed stone beside a path, with a drinking trough alongside it. The tradition surrounding the Fontaine includes a rite involving prayers and drinking the water on Saint Aubin’s Day. This religious tradition adds a distinct local context to the architectural description of the spring.
The present-day parish church, Église St Aubin, dates from 1834 and was built on the site of an earlier church. It is connected with the Fontaine St Aubin below, which is used for therapeutic rituals. The church and spring can therefore be viewed as interconnected parts of the area’s religious history.
Rye Fields and Views
The southern slope of Ménessaire, known as La Couture, was once covered with rye fields. Rye therefore features not only at the Maison du Seigle but also has a specific historical connection to the landscape of Ménessaire. The former cultivation and its presentation at the Maison du Seigle offer two different ways to explore the same agricultural theme: one through the history of living conditions, the other through a named part of the local landscape.
The tourist road towards Les Settons offers views of the eastern Morvan and the Auxois. This landscape perspective complements the architectural and religious history with views of two named regions. Ménessaire thus brings together several different highlights: château architecture, rye culture, religious traditions and views along the tourist road.
Discover more destinations: Corsaint, Seurre, La Rochepot, Labergement-Lès-Seurre, Chazilly, Saint-Seine-Sur-Vingeanne, Puligny-Montrachet, Selongey
For the wider travel overview: Cote-Dor.
