The Château de Montbard is a historically significant site located in the commune of Montbard, France. Its origins trace back to the 10th century when it was built as a wooden fortress, owing to its strategic location offering unrestricted views of the valleys leading to Paris and Dijon.
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In the 11th century, it was home to Bernard I de Montbard, whose son André de Montbard, born in this castle, became one of the nine founders of the Knights Templar, a highly skilled fighting unit during the Crusades.
In 1189, the Duke of Burgundy acquired the castle from its previous owner in Epoisses and further fortified it. Several towers were added to the structure, of which two remain today – the Saint-Louis and Aubespin towers.
In 1477, King Louis XI took possession of the fortress. However, by the 18th century, the castle had fallen into ruins due to the Huguenots' revolt and general neglect.
The castle's story took a dramatic turn in 1733 when Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon, the future Count of Buffon, secured his inheritance through legal means and received permission from the king to manage the castle. Buffon was a renowned naturalist and scientist whose writings would later inspire Charles Darwin.
Upon acquiring the castle, Buffon merged it with his own grounds, unfortunately destroying some of the existing structures. He transformed the area into a large park with landscaped gardens and walking areas, which remain a feature of the site to this day. These gardens offer stunning views over the Burgundy valleys.
Buffon also established the Great Forge of Buffon, one of the world's largest metal forges at the time, just outside of Montbard. He used the remaining towers of the castle to house his extensive library. Much of Buffon's time was spent here writing research papers on species evolution, often in collaboration with fellow naturalist and medical doctor, Louis Jean-Marie Daubenton.
In 1774, in recognition of his contributions, Buffon was bestowed with the title of Count by the King, becoming the first Count of Buffon. Despite some periods of disrepair and change, the Château de Montbard stands as a testament to a rich tapestry of history, nature, and scientific inquiry.
Sainte-Urse church
The Sainte-Urse Church, originating from the 11th century, is one of the town's oldest structures, serving as a testament to the architectural style and religious practices of that period. Given that it started out as a chapel and expanded into a church by the 16th century, this speaks volumes about the growth and evolution of Montbard over the centuries.
The church is also significant for being the resting place of the renowned French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon. His remains were removed during the turbulence of the French Revolution but were respectfully returned in 1973, highlighting the enduring reverence for this influential figure.
Despite not being affected by Buffon's modifications to the nearby castle, the church is an integral part of the historical narrative of Montbard and adds depth to our understanding of the town's heritage. It would be interesting to explore the architectural details, artwork, and other features of the church that have survived through the centuries.
Conclusion
Visiting a castle and its surrounding grounds can serve as an engaging diversion when no other plans have been laid out. It isn't necessarily the primary focus of a trip, but rather a worthwhile excursion if you happen to be in the vicinity.