Château de Commarin

History

Commarin is first recorded in 1214 as a maison forte, a fortified manor. In the 14th century it was rebuilt as a stronger castle, and its two round towers, moats and vaulted chapel survive from that time. The estate then passed by marriage and inheritance through several great Burgundian families, among them the Vienne. In 1526 a triptych was painted for Girard de Vienne, and around the same time a remarkable series of heraldic tapestries was woven for the château.

In the early 17th century Charles de Vienne partly rebuilt the house on the medieval base. Between 1702 and 1713 new façades were designed by the architect Philippe Pâris. The rooms were arranged by Marie-Judith de Vienne, marquise d'Antigny, grandmother of the statesman Talleyrand. The estate later came by inheritance to the Vogüé family. According to the owners, Commarin has never been sold and was not pillaged during the Revolution, and today's owner belongs to the 26th generation.

Architecture

Wide moats still surround the château. Two round towers with conical roofs and the vaulted chapel remain from the 14th-century castle. The rest of the house is 17th and early 18th-century work in a restrained classical style, with a pediment bearing the arms of the Vienne family. A handsome 17th-century stable wing and a park of more than five hectares, with old trees and water, complete the estate.