We acquired this chateau as a family. This project is based on three core principles: passing on the past, welcoming and bringing history to life. Our aim was to turn it into an exceptional venue dedicated to receptions, events and accommodation, where the estate’s history can blend seamlessly with warm, contemporary hospitality. Its geographical location also played a part in our decision. Halfway between Paris and Lyon, and close to Geneva, the chateau enjoys a prime, easily accessible location, enabling it to attract both French and European guests.
The chateau dates back to the 12th century. Having been remodelled and extended over the centuries, it still bears the marks of this long evolution today: irregularly arranged main buildings, round turrets, a moat and a drawbridge leading to the main courtyard. In 1581, eleven towers still surrounded the chateau; four remain today, including the square keep and the dovecote tower, which dates back to 1530. A gallery with three arches, a remnant of the original castle, also bears witness to this period.
Built during the feudal era by the lords of Ragny, the chateau was originally a medieval fortress, before being reinforced in the early 15th century. A turning point in its history came in 1597, when François de la Magdelaine had his lands elevated to the rank of a marquisate by Henry IV. As the first Marquis of Ragny, he devoted the final years of his life to transforming and enhancing the chateau and its grounds. Over the centuries, the estate underwent a number of changes, resulting in particular in the demolition of the orangery and seven of the eleven original towers. Acquired by the Bank of Algeria in the 1960s, and subsequently incorporated into the Bank of France’s assets in 1974, the chateau hosted training courses, seminars and galas for nearly 50 years. We became the owners in August 2023.
The chateau is one of France’s leading estates specialising in events. An open-air concert here attracted 2,300 people, demonstrating the estate’s capacity to host weddings, seminars and large celebrations. Surrounded by walls, the 11-hectare grounds unfold as you stroll along their wide avenues. A royal square lined with majestic yew trees, a pond, an orchard, a meadow with ancient trees and woodland make up a landscape dotted with unique features: an old chapel in ruins, a stone barbecue area and an open-air theatre. The estate also offers a whole world of leisure activities: a heated swimming pool, tennis, mini-golf, football and volleyball pitches, boules and a bridle path.
Avallon, a historic town on the edge of the Morvan, overlooks the Cousin Valley from its granite outcrop, nestled between ramparts and terraced gardens. For a treat, “Les Macarons de Charlou” offers around 20 different flavours made with natural ingredients, made on the premises using a traditional recipe, and free from gluten and preservatives. In Époisses, “La Fromagerie Berthaut” has been keeping Burgundian expertise alive since 1956 with its Époisses AOP and Soumaintrain IGP cheeses. In Vézelay, “La Maison Zervos”, once frequented by Picasso, Léger, Éluard and Char, is now a hub for contemporary art. Finally, the “La Croix Montjoie” estate cultivates 15 hectares of organically farmed vines. Its terrace offers an exceptional view of Vézelay and the Morvan, with a pop-up wine bar in the summer.
The estate, comprising 11 hectares enclosed by walls and featuring approximately 4,000 m² of buildings, can host film and photo shoots. The chateau and its outbuildings offer a wide variety of settings, combining medieval architecture, features remodelled in the 19th century and more rustic atmospheres. The 600 m² former farmstead, comprising a farmhouse, a dovecote and a converted old barn, completes this property. The estate also offers accommodation for 117 guests, spread across the various buildings of the chateau and the self-catering cottage. The teams have access to a wide range of facilities: a swimming pool, tennis courts, sports pitches, mini-golf, a sauna, a billiards room and a karaoke area.
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