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 comprises a chateau with four main buildings and an old farmstead consisting of a farmhouse, a barn and a dovecote. The main building can accommodate 14 people and is spread over two floors, comprising three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a children’s dormitory with eight single beds sharing a communal bathroom. The second building, spread over three floors and designed for groups of up to 37 people, has 18 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. The third, spread over two floors, can accommodate up to 13 people. It comprises five bedrooms and four bathrooms, including two family bedrooms with a shared bathroom and three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The fourth building has 24 rooms with en-suite bathrooms, with capacity for 41 people. 22 rooms have shower cubicles, whilst two have fitted bathrooms. Part of the old farm now houses a holiday cottage for 12 people, whilst a 27 m² dovecote and a 113 m² barn have been converted into function rooms. Outside, the estate has a swimming pool, a tennis court and a mini-golf course.
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Housed in part of the old farm, the house can accommodate up to 12 people. It comprises a kitchen, a living room with two sofa beds, four double bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Guests can make use of the estate’s facilities: a swimming pool, a tennis court, a car park and a large 113 m² games room, equipped with a pool table, a bar, board games, video games and a karaoke machine.
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