Forteresse de Berzé

This month, our focus for #lagrangefleurieloves is the charming forteresse de Berzé in Berzé-le-Châtel

This castle is not only one of the most important and well-preserved castles in Burgundy, but it is also the biggest in southern Burgundy, and is classified as an historical monument. With its 14 towers, and its location, the fortress cannot be missed as it dominates the Petite – Grosne valley.

Only some parts of the castle can be visited by tourists, such as the gardens, the guard rooms, with weapons and armor, the old chapel, and the prison room. The rest of the castle is closed off to visitors as it is inhabited by a countess.

Forteresse de Berzé hosts a yearly Medieval festival. The festival includes activities for children, a crafts market, medieval weapons and armor displays and jousting. If you are visiting us at La Grange Fleurie during the festival time, it is something not to be missed. The festival is on from 30 May 2019 – 2 June 2019. For more info visit the Forteresse de Berzé FaceBook page.

Whilst visiting the castle, its worth having a quick stop on the Voies Vertes in the village of Berzé-le-Châtel to have a look, or a walk through, ‘Le Tunnel du Bois Clair’. The tunnel is the longest pedestrian tunnel in Europe, at 1.6km long. The tunnel is only open during the summer months, because during the winter time it is the home to a colony of bats. In summer, the tunnel can be quite cold inside, and takes approximately 20 minutes to walk through.

The charming castle, and its beautiful views of the Petite – Grosne valley, are just a few of the reasons why Forteresse de Berzé makes it onto our list of #lagrangefleurieloves.