The castles of Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc
Two of the finest Renaissance houses in France, thirty-five minutes from Chablis and visitable on the same day.
Tanlay castle
Surrounded by a moat and set in beautiful grounds, this is one of the finest Renaissance houses in Burgundy. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, it belonged to the Coligny family and was, during the Wars of Religion, an important meeting place for Huguenot leaders.
Particelli d’Hémery, superintendent of finances and close to Cardinal Mazarin, completed the Coligny work with the help of the celebrated architect Le Muet. The family of the Marquis de Tanlay, owners since 1705, added the very rich interior decoration.
Not to be missed: the trompe-l’œil room and the Ligue tower with its startling frescoes. The park, laid out by Le Muet, ends in a 525-metre canal and a fine Renaissance nymphaeum. The outbuildings host contemporary art exhibitions; a nine-hole golf course occupies the grounds.
Ancy-le-Franc castle
An astonishing Renaissance palace on the lands of the Dukes of Burgundy. A masterpiece by Serlio, the Italian architect of François I, it is the only building in France with four equal wings forming a perfect square around a magnificent courtyard.
Built in extensive parkland for Antoine III, Count of Clermont, it holds the largest surviving ensemble of Renaissance wall paintings in France — which makes it a direct rival to Fontainebleau. Inside are treasures by Primaticcio and Niccolò dell’Abate, masters of the Fontainebleau school, coffered ceilings, finely carved panelling and remarkable marquetry.
The guided tour leads from the apartments to the galleries, the chapel, the guard room and the King’s chamber.
Useful information
- Tanlay from the house — 35 km, about 35 minutes
- Ancy-le-Franc from the house — 40 km, about 40 minutes
- Distance between the two castles — 10 km — both fit into one day
- Duration — allow 1 h 30 per castle, guided tour included
- Combine with — Tonnerre and its Fosse Dionne, on the same road
- Tip — book the guided tour at Ancy-le-Franc; the interior cannot be visited freely
Combine it with
- Noyers-sur-Serein and Tonnerre — the stop to add on the way back.
- The region — everything to see around Chablis.
- Weekend in Chablis — two nights leave room for a castle day.
- Family holiday rental — a week lets you see it all without rushing.
Book the house for your next holiday in Chablis
Available all year round, from a weekend to a full week. Write to us — we answer every enquiry personally, usually within 24 hours.