Grury’s architectural history can be viewed from two perspectives at Château de Montperroux and Faulin. Château de Montperroux is located in Grury, in the Saône-et-Loire department; Faulin is also in Grury. The château is notable for its medieval fortifications, later alterations and surviving Renaissance interiors. Faulin is a fortified building in ruins. The two sites therefore offer different points of interest when choosing cultural themes for your trip.
Château de Montperroux: Design and building phases
Château de Montperroux was probably built at the end of the 12th century and remodeled in the 16th century. The complex is laid out as a medieval polygonal fortification with towers. Polygonal means that the ground plan has several sides; together with the towers, this shape defines the exterior of the fortified building. Its design and development over time can thus be viewed as distinct aspects of the same complex.
A more precise date applies to the main residential wing: it was built around 1580. This date refers to a specific part of the building and supplements the broader sequence of its probable origins at the end of the 12th century and its remodeling in the 16th century. The château’s history therefore consists of several building phases, rather than a single construction date. To understand its history, it is helpful to distinguish the origins of the complex from the later construction of the main residential wing.
The surviving Renaissance interiors include French ceilings, a staircase with opposing flights and monumental, richly decorated fireplaces. These features relate to different elements of the interior architecture: the design of the ceilings, the course of the staircase between levels and the fireplaces. The opposing flights describe the staircase more specifically than simply mentioning a stairway; the fireplaces stand out for their size and ornamentation. These details of the interiors complement the history of the exterior fortifications.
Designation as a historic monument
On 17 July 2014, the château was designated in its entirety as a historic monument. The designation also includes the southwest corner pavilion and the ground beneath the building as an archaeological reserve. It therefore covers the entire complex, including these parts. The year 2014 refers to its historic-monument status and should be distinguished from the dates of its building phases.
Faulin: a fortified building in ruins
Faulin is a fortified building in ruins. Its ruined state contrasts with the château’s sequence of building phases and surviving Renaissance interiors. Your travel plans can thus encompass two different perspectives on Grury’s architectural history: at Montperroux, you can focus on the design, development, main residential wing and interiors; Faulin represents the theme of a fortified building in ruins.
Fantasticarp in the Saône-et-Loire department
A dedicated fishing destination in the Saône-et-Loire department is Fantasticarp (Étang de Montperroux), a carp fishing pond in a wooded, natural setting. The banks are maintained while being deliberately kept close to nature. Alongside architectural history, this offers something for travelers interested in fishing in a natural setting.
At Fantasticarp, a member of the association welcomes guests and helps them get set up. Cars can be parked near some, but not all, fishing spots; toilets are available. As maintenance and facilities may change, check the conditions at your preferred fishing spot in advance.
Discover more destinations: Sarry, Barnay, Cormatin, Davayé, Saint-Boil, Devrouze, Saint-Sernin-du-Bois, Azé.
For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.
