Château de Thil

"The oldest castle in France" A. Malraux
9th-14th century
The fortress of Thil is a majestic ruin, out of time, located on an isolated promontory. It offers an exceptional panorama of the Morvan and the Auxois. It is one of the most powerful fortresses in the region. Private historic monument open to visitors.

Nowadays, it is by a superb alley of five hundred years old lime trees that one reaches the majestic ruins of the fortress of Thil. Thil will be constantly enlarged, modified : the site increasing its residential qualities while preserving its defensive prerogatives. The history of the site is linked to Jean II de Thil, then Constable (head of the armies) of the Duke of Burgundy Eudes IV and adviser to King Philippe de Valois. He endowed the site with its most beautiful architectural elements

From all these modifications remain : superb cellars dated from the 12th century with Romanesque and Gothic vaults ; the keep from the 14th century ; " l'Espionne de l'Auxois " : a 5-storey watchtower, over 25 m. high, visible 30 km around, built in 1366, on the west side of the fortress following the attack of the "écorcheurs" (an organised gang which was particularly rife in Burgundy); a remarkable "maison des Gardes" (guards' house) : of which we can still observe 2 superb fireplaces and the double latrine on the first floor

The visit is free, explanatory panels (architecture, history) are placed at various points. You can also discover the medieval flower garden : columbine, acanthus, rose, mallow, peony, Damascus nigella...