The Desfourneaux manor is located in the town of Vézelay, in Yonne.
The property is located rue des Brochards, in the center of the village, and dates for its oldest parts from the 13th century. It was remodeled and modernized in the 17th century.
The beautiful courtyard facade with its dwelling and its projecting side pavilions is obviously not visible, alas, to the public. Nor are the medieval vaulted cellars supported by imposing pillars adorned with capitals.
A small garden adjoins the building which does not lack character but could justify restoration work.
We notice near the gate a plaque explaining that the residence was inhabited by General Edme-Etienne Defourneaux (1767-1849), who volunteered in 1792 and later became a knight and baron of the empire and for a time governor of Santo Domingo. The manor was then occupied by his son Jules Desfourneaux (1802-1887), who lived there for half a century. This benefactor of Vézelay and its inhabitants, generous towards the poor, died in these places.
The property protected as historical monuments is not open to the public. Its exteriors will punctuate a walk in the famous village so rich in terms of religious and civil heritage...
