The basics
The Marshal de Vauban was a French military engineer whose UNESCO-listed structures are found across northern France; upon acquiring the Château de Bazoches, he fortified the landmark and turned it into a military garrison. Today, the beautifully preserved landmark demonstrates his architectural ingenuity. Following recent renovations, the castle’s extraordinary courtyards and libraries are open to the public.
The Château de Bazoches is a popular location for visiting architecture and history buffs; self-led tours offer the best way to explore the landmark.
Things to know before you go
- Set aside approximately 1.5 hours for a self-led tour; written guides are provided in multiple languages.
- Disabled visitors and children under seven can visit the château for free.
- Due to its heritage architecture, only select areas of the castle are accessible to wheelchair users.
- A gift shop is hosted on site.
- Roman–era walking trails, sheltered by trees, connect the castle with the local village.
How to get there
The castle is located just six miles (10 kilometers) from the nearby hub of Vézelay, and is also within day-trip distance of Paris and Dijon. Traveling by car is the most direct way to visit the castle; a 94-space parking lot is hosted on site.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The Château de Bazoches is open for most of the year, generally from early February–early November. Visiting hours vary significantly from month to month, so it’s advised to research its entry details in advance of your visit.
Castle highlights
Though the château itself makes a uniformly grand impression, there are several particular highlights of the landmark worth discovering. The ground-floor gallery, where Vauban’s teams of civil engineers once worked, is the largest room in the castle; while Vauban’s former bedroom is sumptuously outfitted with heritage furnishings, including a canopy bed.
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