Château de Chassy

Chassy Castle is an ancient fortified house bearing the date of 1056 (year proposed without reference by M. Gauthier, op.cit.), became a medieval fortress in the 14th century and then a residential house from the 16th century. Detached from the village on a mound of "wooded land" which gives it a wide view to the west, the estate is bordered by fields on all sides, with no nearby forest. From every road that leads to the commune of Chassy, the castle is immediately visible and can be accessed via a private road that gives direct access to the courtyard in front of the outbuildings, which is itself linked to the courtyard of the castle
It is a beautiful, well-preserved and well-maintained example of the architecture of its time. Manors of this type are rare in southern Burgundy. We only find Le Sauvement (Ciry-le-Noble), Chatillon and Marigny in Viré. They are more numerous in Forez and especially in Bourbonnais. Intermediate between the simple tower and the castle comtal or baronial, they represent a medium size that the anarchic abundance of pointed roofs makes very picturesque. If we can not say that the current castle corresponds exactly to this "house" of yesteryear, however we know the role of police (Gens d'Armes) that Chassy ensures the 15th century in the conflict between the dukes of Burgundy, including Charles the Bold to King Louis XI of France.
The castle of Chassy consists of a long body of housing flanked by two round towers, a square tower and an octagonal tower. The main building is divided into two distinct parts, very visible by the difference in height of the south and north facades. The square tower and the octagonal tower contain the staircases giving access to the rooms in these two distinct parts
The lower part is probably the oldest building in the castle. This primitive dwelling, which is divided into two or three rooms depending on the level, has the typical layout and volumes of a medieval residence. Until the 16th century, the appearance of the castle was modified by various building campaigns and works around and on the primitive main building, leaving very little trace of the primitive medieval castle
The second volume of the main building, the highest, is built against the original building, but no link is created between these two parts, the difference in floor levels being too great. This volume should probably have eventually included the original dwelling in its general composition, as evidenced by the stones on the south and north facades, which initiate a new floor for the original dwelling.
The visit is led by the owners themselves and lasts about 1h30: it begins with an exterior presentation of the history and architecture of the Old Castle; it continues with a visit to two rooms in which the restoration work will be explained to the visitors at the same time as two particular themes will be recounted: the art of the table in medieval times, the role of the Lady of Chassy and the emergence of chivalry.