Top 20 Castles in Yonne
Castles in Yonne, a department in Burgundy, France, offer a diverse range of historical architecture. The region features structures from medieval fortresses to Renaissance palaces, reflecting centuries of French history. These sites are often set within varied landscapes, including parklands and river valleys. Yonne provides opportunities to explore historical periods through its preserved châteaux.
Best castles in Yonne
- The most popular castles is Château de Tanlay, a castle that is considered one of Burgundy's finest Renaissance residences. It is notable for its trompe l'oeil gallery and frescoes in the Tour de la Ligue.
- Another must-see spot is Guédelon Castle, an experimental archaeology project. Visitors can observe the construction of a 13th-century castle using period-appropriate tools and techniques.
- Visitors also love Ancy-le-Franc Castle, a French Renaissance palace designed by Sebastiano Serlio. It features the largest collection of Renaissance murals in France and is set within a 50-hectare park.
- Yonne is known for its medieval fortresses, Renaissance châteaux, and experimental castle construction sites. The region offers a variety of historical periods and architectural styles to explore.
- The castles in Yonne are appreciated by the komoot community. The guide features 20 castles, with 64 upvotes and 35 photos contributed by visitors.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Château de Tanlay
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the first of the films "Angélique Marquise des anges" by Bernard Borderie, with Michèle Mercier, Robert Hossein, and Jean Rochefort is among others shot in the marvelous settings of the Château de Tanlay. It is one of the most beautiful specimens of Renaissance architecture in Burgundy, famous in particular for its trompe l'oeil gallery and for its frescoes in the Tour de la Ligue.It also has very beautiful moats and rich furniture. interior. Certain architectural details, such as the pyramids on the access bridge, the wall surrounding the green courtyard, the Gallery of the Caesars and the nymphaeum, are steeped in the Italian Renaissance. The castle is open every day of the week except Tuesday. Numerous events such as plays, running races, garden tours and golf cups are organized throughout the season. For more information, please visit the following website: chateaudetanlay.fr
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Guédelon Castle
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You must leave the site by 6 p.m. at the latest.
Attention: the water mill, which is particularly popular with children, is only open between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Why build a castle from the early 13th century in the 21st century?
Many questions about castle construction, the use of materials and the use of construction workers are still unanswered. By using the old tools and experimenting with the materials available on site, they hope to rediscover lost knowledge.
Guédelon is perhaps the most important construction site for experimental archaeology, but certainly the best known.
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Ancy-le-Franc Castle
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Château de Ratilly
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Artisanal pottery workshop, collection of ancient Puisaye sandstone, contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, courses.
chateauderatilly.fr
+33(0)386747954
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Fortified Gate of Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines
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This gate is part of the enclosure of the lower courtyard of the castle which crowned the rock overlooking the valley and dominating the only possible crossing of the river.
A second gate existed on the current rue de la Rampe.
The enclosure dates from the 12th century. It was protected, to the east, by four still visible towers, one of which has just been restored.
On the west coast, the enclosure appears as a very large wall, 2 m thick and 4 m high. It is incorporated into gardens and houses, but still visible.
It was lined with a dry ditch.
The postern did not include a drawbridge. It was closed by a heavy double door, the stone pivot cups of which can still be seen in the lower part. The machicolations made it possible to throw stones at the attackers. They probably date from the 14th century.
This door has been classified as a historic monument since May 9, 1888.
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Château de Druyes
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Entrance costs 5 euros (as of 2021).
Out of season the castle is only open on weekends.
There is even a circular hiking trail where the castle is almost always visible.
chateau-de-druyes.com
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Château de Saint-Fargeau
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At the beginning of the 13th century, Jean de Toucy, a close confidant of Louis the Saint, built a pentagonal castle made of iron sandstone.
His daughter married Thibaut de Bar in 1255. The House of Bar ruled the Puisaye countryside until the end of the Hundred Years' War, which drove them into bankruptcy.
In 1450, the castle and lands became the property of the richest man in France at the time, Jacques Coeur. He was financier to King Charles VII of France. Shortly thereafter, Coeur was arrested and dispossessed by the Crown.
In 1453, Antoine de Chabannes, a former soldier and close confidant of Joan of Arc, bought the entire property. As an enthusiastic military expert, he converted the first castle into a strong fortress. He covered the walls with a thick covering of bricks and built 6 massive and contemporary fortified towers at all corners.
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Château du Chastenay
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The presence of a dovecote affirms the lordly character of the place. In principle, only lords, high justices, had one. The number of bowls was regulated according to the surface area of the owner's fiefdom. The pigeon was highly appreciated for its fine flesh and for its droppings, called columbine, which serves as excellent quality fertilizer.
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Château du Fey
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Château de Passy-Véron
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Tips from the Community
Magnificent Exterior Trompe l'oeil Gallery
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Tours and events: https://www.chateau-de-st-fargeau.com
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Next to the Manor, there is the miniature village.
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Excellent view of the Chateau de Passy! Passy-mal! 🤣
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Worth a visit, very beautiful inside and well preserved.
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Simply a great idea that is being put into practice here. Come by before the construction work is finished. In addition to the normal day-to-day construction work, there are also always interesting special offers. The bread baked here is pretty tasty and is sold.
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Price 2024 €16 adult €15 students - a must do, unforgettable experience.
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An unmissable experience is visiting this castle, the construction of which began in 1999 using medieval techniques. You visit a construction site (now well advanced), chat with the workers from the different trades who explain everything to you, visit the vegetable garden, the basket maker, the baker, the potter, the herbalist, etc… I highly recommend visiting this castle !
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles in Yonne are particularly known for their Renaissance architecture?
Yonne boasts several magnificent Renaissance castles. The Château de Tanlay is celebrated as one of Burgundy's finest, known for its trompe l'oeil gallery and frescoes. Another pure marvel is Ancy-le-Franc Castle, designed by Sebastiano Serlio, featuring the largest collection of Renaissance murals in France. The Château de Maulnes is also unique for its pentagonal shape and labyrinthine design from the French Renaissance.
Are there any family-friendly castles in Yonne?
Yes, several castles in Yonne offer engaging experiences for families. Guédelon Castle is an experimental archaeology project where visitors can observe the construction of a 13th-century castle using period tools, making it highly interactive. Other family-friendly options include Château de Tanlay, Ancy-le-Franc Castle, and Château de Saint-Fargeau, which often hosts historical sound and light shows in summer.
What historical periods do the castles in Yonne represent?
The castles in Yonne span a wide range of historical periods. You can find medieval fortresses like the Château de Ratilly, which evolved from 10th-century foundations, and the ongoing 13th-century construction at Guédelon Castle. The region also features stunning Renaissance palaces such as Château de Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc Castle, built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Château de Saint-Fargeau, while having medieval origins, showcases significant 17th-century classical design.
What unique architectural features can I expect to see among Yonne's castles?
Yonne's castles offer diverse architectural marvels. The Château de Tanlay is noted for its perfect symmetry, trompe l'oeil gallery, and frescoes. Ancy-le-Franc Castle is distinguished by its massive square towers and the largest collection of Renaissance murals in France. The Château de Saint-Fargeau has a distinctive irregular pentagonal shape with six pink brick towers. The Château de Maulnes stands out with its unique pentagonal shape built around a central well of water and light.
Are there any castles in Yonne that are still undergoing restoration or construction?
Yes, Guédelon Castle is a unique experimental archaeology project where a 13th-century castle is being built from scratch using only period-appropriate tools and techniques. Visitors can witness the construction process firsthand and learn about medieval building methods. The Château de Maulnes has also undergone significant restoration efforts after periods of disrepair.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Yonne?
The Yonne region offers various outdoor activities near its castles. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around the Cousin Valley or the Château du Fey. For cyclists, there are diverse road cycling routes, such as those exploring the Chablis vineyards or the Yonne River. If you enjoy hiking, there are also waterfall hikes available in the region.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Yonne?
The best time to visit Yonne castles is generally during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant for exploring the grounds and the crowds are typically smaller. Summer (July-August) is also popular, especially for events like the historical sound and light shows at Château de Saint-Fargeau, but it can be warmer and busier. Some castles may have reduced hours or be closed in winter, so it's advisable to check individual castle websites for specific opening times.
Are there gardens or parks associated with the castles in Yonne?
Many castles in Yonne are set within beautiful parklands and gardens. The Château de Tanlay is surrounded by moats and serene parkland. Ancy-le-Franc Castle is situated within a vast 50-hectare park that includes both French and English gardens, an orangery, and an 18th-century folly, perfect for strolling.
Can I find any hidden gems or lesser-known castles in Yonne?
While the prominent castles like Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc are well-known, the region also offers less-frequented but equally fascinating sites. The Château de Maulnes, with its unique pentagonal design, is an architectural masterpiece that might be considered a hidden gem. The Château de Ratilly, a medieval fortress transformed during the Renaissance, also serves as a cultural center with art exhibitions and concerts, offering a different kind of experience.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Yonne?
Visitors frequently praise the rich history and diverse architecture of Yonne's castles. The immersive experience at Guédelon Castle, where medieval construction is brought to life, is a particular highlight. The stunning Renaissance murals at Ancy-le-Franc Castle and the elegant symmetry of Château de Tanlay also receive high acclaim. Many appreciate the opportunity to step back in time and explore centuries of French heritage.
Are there any castles in Yonne that have been featured in films or literature?
Yes, the Château de Tanlay has hosted filming for famous swashbuckling series, including the first of the "Angélique Marquise des anges" films. The Château de Saint-Fargeau played a prominent role in Jean d'Ormesson's novel "Au plaisir de Dieu" and was also a setting for a TV series based on it.
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