General view of the Château de Villersexel - Town of character - Ognon ValleyGeneral view of the Château de Villersexel - Town of character - Ognon Valley
©Villersexel Castle|Château de Villersexel

The castle From Villersexel

The Château de Villersexel in Haute-Saône is a remarkable example of 19th-century architecture. The town of Villersexel itself is well worth a visit, with its charming little streets and peaceful atmosphere.

Logo for the Ognon Valley destination in Haute-Saône - Four-colour versionLogo for the Ognon Valley destination in Haute-Saône - Four-colour version
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Impressive architecture

Today’s château is distinguished by its harmonious blend of white stone and red brick, crowned by an elegant slate roof. Its innovative structure rests entirely on a metal frame, combining tradition and modernity. The architecture features a number of noteworthy elements, such as the façade inspired by the Louis XIII style and the alternating stone colonnades reminiscent of the famous royal saltworks at Arc-et-Senans. These columns are a reference to the farm opposite the château, attributed to Nicolas Ledoux, architect of the saltworks.

Finally, the crenellated tower is the only vestige of the medieval castle.

A sumptuous, well-preserved interior

The interior of the château is a veritable living museum, offering visitors a plunge into the refined atmosphere of the 19th century. Recognised as “the most beautiful château of the 19th century” by the magazine “Propriété de France”, it retains its original furnishings and decor. Visitors can admire precious collections of objets d’art, period furniture and tapestries, all of which add to the charm and authenticity of the setting.

An enchanting estate

The château is surrounded by 30 hectares of English-style parkland, with a picturesque view over the river. This verdant setting is an invitation to take a stroll, allowing visitors to recharge their batteries in a peaceful, natural environment.

Live the experience Castle life

Today, the Château de Villersexel is more than just a historic monument, it’s a living place that offers visitors a variety of experiences. Self-guided and guided tours offer visitors the chance to discover the fascinating history of the château and its occupants, while bed and breakfast accommodation offers the chance to extend your stay in an exceptional setting. In addition, the château regularly hosts cultural events, enriching the visitor experience.

A few key points

Three successive castles have occupied the site since the Middle Ages.

The current château was built after a fire in 1871 during the Battle of Villersexel, during the Franco-Prussian War.

Construction took 5 years (1882-1887) and was supervised by the architect Eugène Gustave Danjoy.

Castle life In the Ognon Valley

The Ognon Valley boasts an exceptional architectural heritage. As well as the not-to-be-missed châteaux of Villersexel and Oricourt, this destination is home to a myriad of historic residences that bear witness to its rich past. Although some of these treasures remain in private ownership, around twenty carefully preserved sites open their doors to curious visitors.

Visit Villersexel Castle

Experiences In Haute-Saône