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The medieval village of Chateauneuf has a very long history... Situated on top of a hill overlooking the Auxois plains and the village of Vandenesse. There is always something interesting in the village, from concerts to fairs to art expos.
Near the main car park, there is a cross by a hollow oak tree, with a very impressive view of the Auxois plain and the water dividing line, the Burgundy canal from lock 12 to 8, you'll see at least three reservoirs and the Morvan hills far in the distance.
The village is home to some excellent bars and restaurants, with terraces and fine tables.
The medieval market is held the last weekend of July every two years. (Click here for more information about the festivals). Wander through some of smaller streets, if you like antiques visit George's great shop, its full of very very old objects.
The castle was built in 1132 by Jean de Chaudenay for his second son Jehan. Jehan took possession of Castro Novo in 1175. The family reigned over the fief for 9 generations, en ending in tragedy in 1456, when Cathrine of Châteauneuf was burnt to death, after poisoning her second husband, Jacques d'Haussonville.
The castle was then given by Philippe le Bon (Duke of Burgundy) to his godson Philippe Pot. The interior courtyard buildings were rebuilt and the castle made much more comfortable. As Philippe Pot had no children and died in 1493 the estate was given to his brother Guy Pot and through marriages Marie Liesse de Luxembourg. As she became a Carmelite nun, the castle and lands were purchased by Charles de Vienne, (Count of Commarin). For almost 150 years the castle remained in the family, until Louis Henri de Vienne sold to a rich banker "Paris de Montmartel" in 1767. Through various heritage the castle returned into the hands of the Veinne family.
With the French revolution, the castle was taken away from the family, the lands divided. The new name of the village was Montfranc. All coats of arms and "Royal" symbols degraded or destroyed. The village remained important as garrison for the National Guard and a commercial centre with a population of more than 500.
Jacques Blondeau is a famous Napoleonic general.
The village begins to decline in population, as the cattle farming increases. Along the Auxois plain below the Burgundy canal is constructed,the village of Châteauneuf fades away.
A view of the very old streets and homes
It is very common to find symbols and signs on the stone work
Misty morning on the canal near lock number 11 looking towards Chateauneuf
For more information please visit the sites below: