Photos courtesy of Château de Nobles
This site has long been an ancient one, as proved by the menhir on the property (a menhir is an upright stone monument that dates back perhaps 6000-7000 years ago. It’s purpose is thought to be connected with seasonal cycles or fertility rites.)
The first documented mention of the castle dates to the 14th century with a mention of Antoine de Nanton, who was from a Mâcon family. By the end of the 16th century, Philiberte de Feurs, the widow of François de Nanton remarried into the de la Baume family. This family kept ownership of the estate until the end of the Ancien Régime. During the French Revolution, the castle was partially destroyed and its valuables looted. In 1856 restoration was begun and the last of the castle’s fortifications were taken down.
Pamela’s Perspective
The Château de Nobles is a bed and breakfast inn and not a full-service hotel. Your hosts will be happy to recommend restaurants in the area for you. The property is a working vineyard. Be sure to try out the château’s wine!
Château de Nobles
A 15th-century castle
Contact
71700 La Chapelle sous Brancion
Tel: ++33 (0) 3 85 51 00 55
Hotel website
Fast facts
3 rooms
(can accommodate up to 10
people)
Double rooms: 110 euros
each additional person: 30 euros
Rates include breakfast
Open: April through October
Getting there
From the A6 at Tournus, go west 14.5 km. on D14 to Brancion. The château is one km. from the village. Nearest train station is at Tournus.
What to do
On site: hiking
Nearby: cycling; Cluny; medieval
village of Brancion;
castle at Cormatin
The Château de Nobles is a wonderful place. Bertrand and Françoise de Chérisey have opened their castle, which is part of a family-owned vineyard, to those visitors who desire a charming, idyllic spot to hide away.
The three large guest rooms are located in a wing off the main house, but in no way does this detract from the castle experience. Each room has a private entrance, with interiors featuring heavy wooden beamed ceilings, white-washed walls, stone fireplaces, and tile floors. Bathrooms are modern. One room has five single beds, making it ideal for families.
The castle is well located for touring the southern Burgundy region, or perhaps even a stopover on the way to and from the south of France. It’s a perfect place to relax for a few days.
Something special
A prehistoric menhir on the property
The castle is listed as a monument historique.