Also known as the Castle of Marguerite de Bourgogne
The Château de Couches, also known as the Château of Marguerite de Bourgogne, is a historical monument. Perched on its rocky outcrop amidst the vineyards, it’s a beautiful medieval fortress built in the 11th century. Your guide will help you explore all the rooms from its Master Tower to its underground galleries, including its keep adjacent to the 15th-century chapel, its topiary gardens, and its park. At the center of the romantic park, a tasting cellar hidden in the former stables offers delightful wine. A restuarant and a guesthouse complete the offer of the Castle of Couches
The Castle of Couches
History
The Château de Couches has its origins in the late 11th century when Gaudry, the first lord, initiated its construction. In the 15th century, the castle underwent significant renovations by Claude Montaigu, Knight of the Golden Fleece, lord of Couches, and chamberlain to the Duke of Burgundy. This fortress, which holds the legacy of all its former owners within its walls, stands as a testament to the evolution of architectural styles and techniques over the centuries.
The Keep
In the Middle Ages, the keep was the tallest tower of a castle, serving as the residence of the lord. This main tower, dating from the 12th century, still showcases its original staircase built into the wall, which was later replaced in the 15th century by a more comfortable spiral staircase in the adjacent tower. On the first floor, you’ll find the guardroom, furnished in a Neo-Gothic style, which also housed the original entrance to the tower. The second floor features a dining hall decorated with a 16th-century Aubusson tapestry illustrating the life of Esther. Finally, on the third floor is the bedchamber, where a 17th-century bed, modeled after a medieval lord’s bed, and an 18th-century bed from the Hospices de Beaune can be seen.
The Chapel
The chapel of the Château, as it stands today, was shaped by 15th-century renovations in the flamboyant Gothic style. Dedicated to Saint Ruf, a 4th-century Christian from Auvergne, the chapel features striking Gothic vaults adorned with remnants of polychrome paintings. On either side of the chancel, two oratories with fireplaces reflect the lord’s wealth and status. These oratories are now painted black, symbolizing mourning. At the rear of the chapel, a 19th-century stained-glass window portrays Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winemakers.
The Underground Galleries
The underground galleries were built alongside the eight defensive towers that once formed the castle’s fortifications. These galleries provided a sheltered passage during bad weather and served as storage for food supplies. Remarkably, the temperature inside remains around 10°C, even during the height of summer! At the heart of these galleries lies the press room, where the introduction of balance-system presses in the 14th and 15th centuries marked a significant advancement in winemaking technology.
The Justice Tower
The 14th-century Justice Tower contains a guardroom displaying a collection of antique weapons dating from the 17th to the 19th century. The lower level leads to the oubliettes, which could have served as a prison, although this space was more frequently used for storing food supplies.
The Park and Topiary Gardens
The park, laid out around the main courtyard, captures the charm of a 19th-century garden. Where the medieval lower courtyard once stood, you’ll now find a topiary garden. In medieval times, the garden served both practical and symbolic purposes: it was designed to meet utilitarian needs with edible and medicinal plants, while also aiming to depict an earthly vision of Paradise.
The Residence
The 19th-century residence, constructed on older foundations, is a prime example of the “troubadour” Neo-Gothic architectural style. In the 15th century, this building served as the primary residence of Lord Claude de Montaigu.
