CHATEAU OF SAINT-FARGEAU
Historic Castle and History Spectacle on the Yonne
In
the rolling hills of north-west Burgundy which separate the Yonne
River from the
Loire
to the west of Auxerre one might happen upon the
tiny village of Saint-Fargeau with its surprising castle of Chateau Saint-Fargeau.
The castle is a striking example of French classicism with its complete
round red brick turrets capped by conical roof with walls in an irregular
pentagon layout. The first record of the castle is from the 900s when
it a structure was built as a walled country hunting lodge for the Bishop
of Auxerre a son of the king Hugues Capet. The town and original castle
of St Fargeau featured in the 100 years war, ravaged and burned by the
English and twice a stopping point for Joan of Arc. The castle as it
currently stands was most rebuilt in 1453 by Antoine of Chabannes. In
the 1600;’s, Anne-Marie Louise d’Orléans, first cousin
of king Louis XIV, was exiled for five years at the Saint-Fargeau. The
castle was named a national monument in 1925.
Features of the castle of Chateau St-Fargeau are the iconic twin towers
named for the Lords of Toucy and of Bar who owned the castle in medieval
times. A wide courtyard inside the five walls, apartments that have
been restored
and furnished, 14th century library and the large Guards Room which
can be reserved for weddings receptions and
ceremonies. The attics and wooden frames of the roof are noted for their
original form and condition. The castle stands at the edge of a large
green park with a lake and old trees, where rides can be had in a period
stagecoach.
Saint-Fargeau
is now probably most known for the spectacular historic extravaganza
performance shows which are held on the grounds
from mid-July
through August every year. The shows encompasses 600 actors
and 60 horses performing scenes representing a thousand years of French
history from Bishop Heribert to Knights Tournaments and Joan d’Arc
to the American Liberation in WWII, set against the glowing lighted walls
of the castle. The nighttime show lasts about 90 minutes of grand spectacular
on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10:30 pm. Meals can be eaten
in the park picnic style from 9:00 pm. Admission for the show performance
is 16 € for adults and 9 € for children under 15. The
castle is open every day from March to November from 10am to 6pm, closed
for the French lunch hours from 12 to 2pm. Admission is 9 € for
adults. Stagecoach rides are about 3 €. On the castle grounds
are a collection of railroad steam engines as well, though none of
them
operating.
The
village of Saint-Fargeau is still guarded by one of the medieval wall
gate
towers through which Joan of Arc would have marched her army and the
Restaurant
Auberge
La Demoiselle or the Creperie la Mediavale are nice vantage points
to view the castle and the pass the two hours for French lunchtime
it's
closed.
At
the nearby
former
station of Toucy Ville is a small curious tourist train unconnected
to the
castle
for rides through the countryside. Saint-Fargeau is 20 miles off
the A77
autoroute about 2 hours south of Paris. © Bargain
Travel Europe
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Chateau
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See Also:
AUBERGE LA LUCARNE AUX CHOUETTES
NOGENT-SUR-SEINE - CHATEAU LE MOTTE-TILLY
PROVINS
- MEDIEVAL CITY
FAMILY
FUN AND CHAMPAGNE
