Since the 15th century, there’s been this breathtaking ‘hidden’ castle tucked away in France’s Burgundy area. After the owners left it behind in 2017, it became a hotspot for curious explorers. Even though it’s closed off to visitors now, a talented photographer named Bryan Sansivero was able to snap some shots of its faded beauty when he visited in 2022.
Known affectionately as the “secret château” within the urban exploration community, its whereabouts remained largely undisclosed for quite some time. Thankfully, Bryan Sansivero, renowned for his work in “American Decay,” managed to uncover and photograph the enchanting Château de la Chasseigne. This fairytale-like castle is nestled amidst a cluster of oak trees close to the quaint village of Saint-Parize-le-Châtel in Burgundy’s Nièvre department.
Approaching the château, your eyes are drawn to the two ancient round towers and the connecting arched gallery on the left, which seem to bear the weight of centuries past more prominently than the rest of the estate. These architectural remnants, dating back to the 15th century, were erected by the original owner, the nobleman Robert de la Chasseigne, and stand as the sole survivors of the château’s original construction.
Legend has it that in 1789, ownership of the property passed into the hands of the de Montrichard family, esteemed as one of France’s most ancient noble lineages. This transfer reportedly occurred through the union of a descendant of Robert de la Chasseigne with Count Gabriel-Étienne de Montrichard, a distinguished senior general in the army of King Louis XVI.
Even amidst the chaos of the French Revolution, Count Gabriel-Étienne de Montrichard narrowly evaded the guillotine and held onto his ancestral lands. Sadly, his life was cut short in 1799 at the age of 44. His eldest son, Louis-Henri, inherited the château, passing it on to his own firstborn, Armand.
Fast forward to 1868, Count Armand de Montrichard decided to expand Château de la Chasseigne in a lavish neo-Renaissance style after selling off two other family estates. The grand entrance hall, constructed with sturdy stone, boasts an impressive mosaic floor and a regal solid oak staircase. Despite some graffiti and torn wallpaper, the hall remains remarkably intact.
While much of the château maintains its original charm, there are significant repairs needed, including the roof and piping, restoration of the Burgundy stone masonry, and addressing dry rot in certain areas. The grand salon, situated to the right of the entrance hall, dazzles with its intricate neo-classical wall paneling and pilasters, exuding a truly palatial atmosphere.
Interestingly, according to the French website Souterrain-Lyon, a considerable portion of the furniture found within the château was relatively recently acquired from the Emmaüs charity store chain, adding a modern twist to its storied past.
While it’s a bit disappointing that there aren’t many genuine family heirlooms left, there are still some delightful surprises waiting to be discovered throughout the grand salon and other rooms of the château. One such treasure is a magnificent piano crafted by the renowned Parisian manufacturer Maison Pleyel, beloved by musical legends like Chopin, Debussy, and Stravinsky.
Stepping into the dining room, situated to the left of the entrance hall, you’re greeted by walls paneled in rich wood adorned with silk fabric embellished with golden fleur-de-lis, the emblem of French royalty. The room boasts exquisite cabinetry and elegant furniture pieces. Following Count Armand de Montrichard’s passing in 1875, the property remained within the family for another four generations.
The last known family member to call the château home was supposedly Count Philippe de Montrichard, who likely savored many fine dining experiences in the sophisticated ambiance of the dining room. Struggling to keep up with the maintenance demands, he purportedly sold the property in 2003 to a local architect, initiating a restoration endeavor and adorning the rooms with carefully selected secondhand furnishings.
Tucked away at the rear of the entrance hall, a doorway unveils the exquisite family chapel, boasting breathtaking stained glass windows that cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the sanctuary. Devoutly Catholic, the Montrichard family, which boasted canons, abbots, abbesses, and even an archbishop among its ranks, ensured that the chapel stood as one of the château’s most splendidly adorned spaces.
As you step into the kitchen, it’s like entering a time capsule, whisking you back to the 19th century. The space feels frozen in time, with ancient copper and cast iron pots and pans adorning the walls, work tables that seem to have weathered over a century of use, and an oven that’s a true relic of the past. You can almost hear the echoes of servants bustling about, preparing meals from days long gone.
Despite a few creaks here and there, the oak staircase has stood strong through the passage of time, a testament to its quality craftsmanship and sturdy build.
There’s a tale floating around that the architect who purchased the château in 2003 handed it off in 2017 for a symbolic euro to a pair of Indonesian real estate investors, presumably with the understanding that they’d carry out the much-needed restoration work. However, it’s said that these investors made just one brief appearance to sign the paperwork before vanishing into thin air. Locals whisper that taxes and other dues owed on the property have gone unpaid ever since.
Climbing up the stairs, you reach the main landing on the first floor, where an upright piano stands. Though not as ornate as the Pleyel in the grand salon, it likely still holds considerable value.
Once news spread that the Indonesian investors had effectively abandoned the château in 2017, the word quickly spread among urban explorers and vandals, drawing them to the property like moths to a flame—those who could navigate its hidden location, that is.
In 2020, the château captured the attention of four determined young individuals deeply committed to its preservation. They banded together and founded the Association Friends of La Chasseigne with a singular mission: to rescue this historic gem. Their efforts are particularly focused on the master bedroom, which suffers from mold infestation and requires extensive restoration. Despite its current state, the room boasts a marble fireplace and other exquisite original features that deserve to be cherished and safeguarded.
By 2021, the group had initiated a campaign urging authorities to take action and proposed a visionary plan to repurpose the château into a cooperative housing community and restaurant. However, as of 2024, their petition had garnered only a fraction of the required 1,000 signatures. Undeterred, their project remains steadfast in its goal to revive the master bedroom and other spaces to their former splendor, relying on crowdfunding and active involvement from the local community.
Within the master bedroom lie several intriguing artifacts, including a photograph of Pope Pius IX positioned above the bed. Yet, as the château’s reputation spread among urban explorers, it inevitably became a magnet for sensational claims. For instance, one TikTok user made the audacious assertion to the New York Post that the château once sheltered a Norwegian survivor of the Titanic tragedy.
Continuing our exploration, we stumble upon one of the château’s charming round turret rooms, straight out of a storybook. Adorned with a quaint sleigh bed and a vintage-style chair, the room boasts eye-catching wallpaper reminiscent of retro linoleum. Despite some minor cosmetic imperfections, it’s surprisingly well-preserved.
Next, we encounter what appears to be a study or sitting room, though it probably doubled as a bedroom in its earlier days. Much like the master bedroom, it showcases a marble fireplace and intricate decorative accents, and remarkably, it’s in an even better state of repair, promising an easier restoration process.
Moving along, we enter a smaller bedroom where the fireplace has been painted a whimsical pink to match the décor. However, signs of neglect become apparent as we notice issues with dry rot, and debris scattered on the bed hints at plaster falling from the ceiling. It’s evident that this remarkable mansion has been neglected for quite some time.
Aside from the main oak staircase, the château boasts several other staircases, including one likely used by servants. Though not as grand as the principal staircase, it still exudes an air of sophistication, with ornate wrought-iron posts and a weathered wooden banister that curves gracefully at the bottom.
As you step into the library, you’re met with a curious sight: three vintage sewing machines nestled among the bookshelves, surrounded by rows of weathered tomes. Above the fireplace, a fallen mirror reveals a hidden compartment, hinting at a bygone era when valuables may have been discreetly stowed away.
A dressmaking mannequin stands sentinel amidst the shelves, suggesting that this space once served dual purposes for both literary pursuits and fashion endeavors. While in need of some replastering and wall repairs, restoring this room seems within reach.
However, the same cannot be said for the turret library, accessed via a spiral staircase from the main library. Here, neglect has taken its toll, with a cavernous hole gaping in the ceiling and other pressing issues demanding immediate attention. Sadly, the ancient books housed in this room appear to be beyond salvaging.
Continuing our journey, we arrive at what appears to be a music room, though its original function remains a tantalizing mystery. An antique organ nestled within the fireplace adds an unexpected touch. Situated at the pinnacle of the château, this room might have once resonated with the harmonies of servants coming together for a well-deserved sing-along after a day’s toil.
The rooms seem to stretch on endlessly within the vast expanse of this abandoned castle. This particular reception room, adorned with a cozy chaise longue and other inviting furnishings, lacks the grandeur of those found on the lower levels, suggesting it may have served as quarters for servants or perhaps even as a nursery.
As you press on with your exploration, you stumble upon yet another room, likely a child’s bedroom given the presence of a compact sleigh bed tucked into the corner. Debris litters the floor, and the wallpaper peels away from the walls. While the floorboards appear sturdy, they could certainly benefit from a thorough sanding and polish to restore their former luster.
With each step upward, the accommodations grow increasingly worn and weathered, hinting at potential vulnerabilities in the roof that demand immediate attention. Nestled in the eaves, a loft space lies in wait, its peeling wallpaper, litter-strewn floorboards, and abandoned headboard painting a stark picture of neglect.
Despite its eerie charm reminiscent of a tale from the Brothers Grimm, this castle is in desperate need of rescue. Though the group working to save the château may have been less active online in recent years, one can only hope that their efforts will prevail, preserving the enchantment and rich history that spans nearly six centuries. With its captivating architecture and storied past, this property is far too valuable to succumb to the ravages of decay and abandonment.
