Château de Collanges

Just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lyon, 2 hours from Geneva, and 4 km from Charolles—which has all the essential shops—the Château de Collanges offers the ideal setting for a weekend with friends, a family vacation, or an intimate gathering in Burgundy. Set in a pristine natural environment, this 14-hectare estate combines historical charm, comfort, and breathtaking views of the Charolais countryside.

The château offers 17 beds in eleven elegant bedrooms, all with a shower room or bathroom, as well as spacious living areas: living rooms, a dining room, a billiards room, and a fully equipped kitchen. Nearby, the old mill by the river can accommodate 6 additional guests in a peaceful setting.

The estate features a wooded park, a heated, secure swimming pool with a dining area, a griddle, and changing rooms, as well as woodlands and pastures, and a fortified terrace offering a superb, idyllic view. It can accommodate up to 40 guests for receptions.

Easily accessible, the Château de Collanges combines historic charm with a relaxed lifestyle for unforgettable stays with family or friends

Located in the heart of the Charolais region, the Château de Collanges estate spans approximately 14 hectares of countryside typical of southern Burgundy. It brings together various man-made and natural elements to form a harmonious whole.

Built on a raised terrace supported by ancient fortifications, the castle overlooks the surrounding countryside and offers a remarkable view of the Charolais hills. The Semence River flows through the property and powers an old mill, which has been converted into a residence.

Surrounding the castle is a 2.5-hectare recreational park, complemented by a 1.5-hectare wooded area and 9 hectares of pastureland managed by local farmers. These areas alternate between open views, shaded spots, and farmland, creating a setting that is both peaceful and vibrant.

Just a few meters from the castle, a dedicated, secure area features a swimming pool, surrounded by trees that provide welcome natural shade. A table that seats 10 people allows guests to enjoy meals outdoors, with a nearby grill area and a changing room for getting dressed in comfort. This relaxing spot blends discreetly into the landscape while offering amenities perfect for a fun-filled summer getaway.

The estate is ideal for hosting group stays, family vacations, or getaways with friends in a pristine setting that’s perfect for relaxation and exploring Burgundy’s rural heritage.

Collanges Castle, located in the heart of the Charolais region, offers a remarkable glimpse into local and national history. First mentioned in the 10th century, it occupies a strategic position at the entrance to a natural gorge, which likely explains its name of Latin origin: collum angustum, meaning “narrow passage.”

Over the centuries, the castle passed through the hands of prominent noble families: the Damas, the Essertines, and then the La Madeleine family, whose influence left a lasting mark on the architecture and symbolism of the site. In 1500, Girard de La Madeleine, bailiff of Auxois and a close associate of the Cluniac order, rebuilt the castle in the Renaissance style. He introduced characteristic elements such as an octagonal stair tower, carved coats of arms, and a well. These architectural details are still visible today and link Collanges to other family estates built during the same period in the region, such as the castles of Corcelles-en-Beaujolais and Le Banchet in Châteauneuf.

Collanges also went through turbulent times. In 1478, it suffered the ravages of a band of “écorcheurs,” the dreaded mercenaries of the late Middle Ages. Later, it was seized during the Revolution before being partially reclaimed by its former owners. These events illustrate the political and social upheavals that the château has weathered.

The La Madeleine family, who owned Collanges for two centuries, was succeeded by the Lesdiguières family, then by the powerful Maynaud family, who sold it in the 19th century. It was notably owned by Jean-Baptiste Gayet, mayor of Charolles. Shortly before 1930, it was acquired by the Lur-Saluces family, who were related to the descendants of the Maynaud family, and they undertook extensive renovations.

In 1994, it began a new chapter in its history with the arrival of its current owners, who have since devoted themselves to its restoration and revitalization.

The ground floor of the Château de Collanges features spacious living areas, all connected by a large gallery that runs the length of the building.
Each room offers breathtaking views of the Charolais countryside, bringing light and serenity to your time together.

The large living room (40 m²)

It welcomes your guests in an elegant, cozy atmosphere. It features a grand piano and a wood-burning stove. This space is perfect for relaxing, playing music, or enjoying a pleasant evening with a view of the surrounding countryside.

The dining room (35 m²)

Adjacent to the living room, it features a large table that can seat up to 22 people. With its unobstructed view of the outdoors, it offers a refined setting for festive meals or large family gatherings.

The Kitchen

Spacious and fully equipped, it is designed for large families and makes it easy to cook for large groups. An adjoining pantry ensures optimal organization.

The small living room (25 m²),

This space is designed for quiet moments for both adults and children, as well as small gatherings for meals. It features a fireplace, a table that seats 8 people, a high chair, a television, and plenty of children’s games.

The Billiards Room

Located at the end of the hallway, the billiards room extends these relaxation areas, featuring a cozy sitting area with a wood-burning stove—perfect for long evenings with friends or family.

The castle can accommodate 17 guests in its recently restored rooms. Each room, carefully decorated, has its own shower room or bathroom.
All of the rooms located in the main building of the castle (except one) offer breathtaking views of the Charolais countryside.

Le Moulin (6 people)

Located just 500 meters from the castle, on the banks of the Semence River, the mill offers a peaceful setting and approximately 100 m² of living space spread over two levels.

Ground floor of the Mill:

It consists of an entryway, a bright living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a toilet, and two bedrooms:

• A bedroom with a double bed (140 cm)
• A bedroom with two single beds (90 cm)

First floor of the Mill:

• A bedroom with two single beds (80 cm) that can be pushed together, as well as an adjoining bathroom with a toilet.

Château de Collanges enjoys a prime location for exploring the treasures of the Charolais-Brionnais, a region of Burgundy renowned for its unspoiled landscapes, exceptional Romanesque heritage, and deep-rooted gastronomic traditions. Here are some activity ideas available nearby.

Discovering local heritage and know-how

In Charolles, the Maison du Charolais features a museum space dedicated to the region’s famous cattle breed, along with a shop and a restaurant showcasing local products — an excellent introduction to the rural and culinary identity of the area.

The livestock auction market in Saint-Christophe-en-Brionnais also offers a unique blend of tradition and gastronomy.

Ceramics enthusiasts can visit the factory outlets of two renowned faience manufacturers: Faïencerie de Charolles and Émile Henry in Marcigny, both celebrated for their craftsmanship and the quality of their creations.

Visiting the castles of southern Burgundy

Several remarkable castles are open to visitors in the surrounding area. The Château de Digoine, an elegant 18th-century estate, offers guided tours, cultural events, and strolls through its gardens. Not far away, the Château de Drée invites visitors to discover its furnished salons, stables, formal gardens, and kitchen garden — a true immersion into French aristocratic life.

In Saint-Bonnet-de-Joux, one can admire one of the largest private stables in France, a 17th-century architectural masterpiece located at the Château de Chaumont.

Enjoying the natural surroundings

The region lends itself equally well to relaxation and outdoor activities. Nearby, a 6 km greenway connects the village center of Vendenesse to Charolles, offering a pleasant walk or bike ride through the Charolais countryside, following the river and open landscapes. The route is easily accessible from the village car park and provides a peaceful way to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

By spring 2026, this greenway will be extended toward Paray le Monial, bringing the total length to 22 km and connecting it to the existing route along the Canal du Centre, ideal for longer, leisurely outings.

For a different experience, it is also possible to rent a canoe from the Arganoë base near Baugy and drift gently down the Loire, immersed in unspoiled natural surroundings.

Exploring Romanesque heritage

The Romanesque church trail is a must in this region, which boasts one of the most impressive collections of Romanesque art in France. Highlights include Anzy-le-Duc, known for its rich sculpted decoration, and Paray-le-Monial, a major spiritual site in the heart of Burgundy. Further east, Cluny is home to the monumental remains of its former Benedictine abbey, once the most powerful in Europe.

For more information on these visits and many others, the Charolles Tourist Office provides all the necessary details.