Just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lyon, Château de Collanges stands in the heart of the Charolais region, set in a lush green landscape that is ideal for stays with family or friends. This residence, whose origins date back to the 10th century, has passed through the hands of many owners over the centuries.
Marie de Varax, who owns the château with her husband, speaks with passion about the history and everyday life of this family home.
Could you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Marie de Varax. I have been the owner of Château de Collanges for 30 years, together with my husband, who is deeply passionate about this house.
Why did you decide to buy a château?
We made this choice by looking back at our own histories. We are both younger children and were not able to take over family properties. Yet we cherished those family moments so deeply: large houses, welcoming grandparents, the happiness of being together with cousins. Those memories were so strong for us that we said to ourselves, “We have to recreate that.”
So we began looking for a property, first near Bordeaux, then in Tarn et Garonne, and finally closer to Lyon. In hindsight, I believe it was the right choice.
For your children, will inheriting a château be burden or a gift?
That is a very good question, and a difficult one for us. They come here with real joy, they are always eager to gather together, and they often welcome many friends. That is wonderful, because it means we have succeeded in what we set out to do. Thanks to the restoration work we have carried out, we will be able to pass on something that is fully functional rather than a burden. That has always been our goal.
What renovation work did you have to carry out at the château?
We bought this property 30 years ago, and from the very first year we began renovation work. Why? Because it was in very poor condition. It was urgent to make it a pleasant place for us to live. We started by restoring one part of the château, the wing on the side.
Later on, we were able to renovate the main part of the building: rewiring the electricity, replacing 60 windows, restoring all six sides of the façades, changing all the roof tiles, repainting, installing 10 bathrooms, creating a kitchen. All this work was essential to bring the property up to modern standards of comfort, while trying to preserve its historic character and appearance.
What work would you still like to undertake?
You know, with a property like this, there is always work to be done. What saddens me most is that I love gardens, and until now we have somewhat neglected them. I would really like to begin a major restoration of the woodland, which needs attention as it is old and losing trees, as well as the park as a whole. It is a long term project that we have not yet started, but it would truly be my dream.
Why did you buy Collanges?
Collanges was love at first sight.
We visited it on March 27, on a whim. We were tired, we had already seen other properties, and we almost decided not to come. As soon as I arrived, I did not even visit everything. I sat down on the small terrace wall, looked out at the view, and the decision was made. The very next day, we accepted the property.
That first spark never faded. We are still just as happy to be here.
What is the château’s main asset?
The château’s greatest asset today is its aesthetics. It is simply beautiful. You can feel that sense of beauty, and everyone feels it.
There is also the sense of space. Everyone can find their own place without feeling cramped.
And finally, its comfort. It is warm and pleasant in winter, everyone has their own bathroom, which is very important. All of this makes family gatherings truly special, because they are so enjoyable.
What is your favorite room in the château?
My favorite room in the château is a small lounge called the “clock room.” It is located at the far end of the house, on the east side.
It allows me to enjoy some peace and quiet since it is far from the kitchen and the dining room, which are, quite literally, the bustling heart of the house. There, I can be on my own and truly relax.
Could you tell us the story of the château?
The history of the château goes back a very long way. The name Collanges comes from the Latin colum angustum, meaning “the narrow hill”. Indeed, we are perched on a very high and solid rock, on which the earliest constructions were anchored, followed by a fortified castle, and finally the château you see today.
In the 11th century, the Damas family, a great Burgundian lineage, owned the château. One of its owners left on a crusade and entrusted the château to the Abbey of Cluny, which was responsible for managing it during his absence.
Another owner, in 1450, was driven out and killed by the “Écorcheurs”, armed bands of up to 500 men who ravaged the countryside, looting, destroying and pillaging. By chance, the château was not set on fire, as Jean Dolong, the leader of the Écorcheurs, received an enormous ransom. The château did, however, lose its ramparts. The defensive and watchtowers that once stood outside were completely destroyed. The property then remained abandoned for nearly a century.
In 1550, Jean de la Madeleine, nephew of the Abbot of Cluny, took over the estate. He was granted permission to rebuild and fortify the château. What you see today dates from this period: mullioned windows, a majestic spiral staircase, and a large Burgundian style roof. It is thanks to him that the château has its present exterior elegance, and his coat of arms is carved above the main entrance.
Do you have a personal anecdote about the château?
This château is rich in events, and I have already mentioned a few. The story of Jean Damas, who entrusted the château to Cluny, is particularly interesting, so I will continue it.
Cluny was tasked with managing the lands and the château. Why? Because Jean Damas’s wife and daughters also needed protection. The agreement was as follows: if he were killed during the crusade, the property would pass to Cluny, which in return was required to marry and provide dowries for his daughters and to protect his wife. If Jean Damas returned, Cluny would retain the income from the château for the duration of the crusade, generally three years, and would then return the château to its owner. It is a rather lovely story.
Is there particular feature of the château that you are especially fond of?
Personally, it is the piano. I come from a family of musicians. I am not a very good pianist myself, but I imagine that guests will enjoy playing, perhaps singing around the piano, and sharing special moments together. The room is large enough to allow this, and for me it is truly a joy to play there.
What is your favourite visit in the area around the château?
Burgundy, and southern Burgundy in particular, is incredibly rich in places to visit. I have often had friends say, “I’ll have to come back, there is far too much to see.”
My favourite outing is the Butte de Suin, about 15 km from here. It is a small hill, not very high, but on clear days you can see the Alps from the summit. It makes for a very pleasant walk.
Otherwise, there are three remarkable châteaux nearby: Château de Chaumont with its stables, Château de Drée, and Château de Digoine.
Finally, visiting the Brionnais churches is a must. These Romanesque churches are truly exceptional.
Why did you decide to join Votre Château de Famille?
For me, it is very important to work with a company that truly understands our home, the way we live in it, and the way it functions. It also needs to be experienced and competent enough to present it properly to the guests who will be coming here.
Simply clicking on a website to book is not possible for a house like this. There has to be real contact, real explanations, a genuine relationship. Votre Château de Famille is extremely skilled at this and very professional.
Votre Château de Famille also knows how to support owners, by organizing visits to other properties, helping us understand the expectations of future guests.
What would you say to encourage people to stay at Collanges?
Having lived at Collanges ourselves, we truly care about the happiness of future guests. Drawing on our experience in this house, we have thought of every detail so that nothing is missing, from birthday candles to garden furniture, not forgetting the pleasures of the swimming pool. More than a traditional rental or even a five star hotel, you will discover a genuine family home where everything has been designed for your comfort.
A final word?
You are welcome here all year round. You will always be received with warmth, care and attention.
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