Ancy-le-Franc Castle, one of the most beautiful Renaissance gems in France, was built on the lands of the Dukes of Burgundy and is an unmissable place to discover in Yonne! Visiting this palace, where several kings of France stayed, is a journey through five centuries of history.
Set in an immense park of 50 hectares near the Burgundy Canal, vineyards and charming villages, this imposing edifice is a listed Historic Monument. It was built in the 16th century for Antoine III Clermont-Tonnerre, brother-in-law of Diane de Poitiers, by Sebastiano Serlio, the Italian architect to Francis I. The superb main courtyard, formed by four equal wings, is a delight to the eye with its harmonious balance and richly sculpted façades. The outdoor areas include extensive stables, a farmyard, a horse park and an orangery, as well as a splendid French formal garden designed by Le Nôtre and a charming English-style park.
And the inside is every bit as stunning as the outside... This jewel of the Renaissance contains sumptuous rooms, richly decorated and furnished with refinement. Polychrome coffered ceilings, mosaic floors, finely carved woodwork and murals on a variety of themes bear witness to the talent of the greatest masters of the time and to the owner's passion for ancient and Italian art.
It's a pleasure to wander from room to room, admiring the splendour of the décor. The Pharsalus Gallery, decorated with exceptional murals illustrating the famous battle between Caesar's and Pompey's troops, is just as remarkable as the Guard Room, with its prestigious decoration, or the Pastor Fido cabinet, where the Marquise de Sévigné liked to rest during her visits. Great artists of the Fontainebleau School, such as Primaticcio and Nicolò dell'Abbate, as well as Burgundian and Flemish painters contributed to the fabulous decoration of the apartments.
After contemplating all these splendours, you can round off your visit with a stroll in the vast, leafy park. Streams, centuries-old streets and a romantic lake, with an island featuring an 18th-century folly, will make your walk even more pleasant.
