Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Brancion
This is a classic feudal village. Back when there were no nations in Europe, control of
land was delegated from lord to vassal. The Duke of Burgundy ruled here through his vas-
sal, the Lord of Brancion. His vast domain—much of south Burgundy—was administered
from this tiny fortified town.
Within the town's walls, the feudal lord had a castle, a church, and all the necessary
administrative buildings to deliver justice, collect taxes, and so on. Strategically perched
on a hill between two river valleys, he enjoyed a complete view of his domain. Brancion's
population peaked centuries ago at 60. Today, it's home to only four full-time residents.
Sights in Brancion:
The
castle,
part of a network of 17 castles in the region, was
destroyed in 1576 by Protestant Huguenots. After the French Revolution, it was sold to be
used as a quarry and spent most of the 19th century being picked apart. Though the flier
gives a brief tour and the audioguide a longer one, the small castle is most enjoyable for
its evocative angles and the lush views from the top of its keep (€5, audioguide-€2, daily
April-Sept 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-18:30, Oct-mid-Dec weekends only, 10:00-16:00, closed
mid-Dec-March).
