Top 8 Castles around Malay
Best castles around Malay offer a journey through history, featuring structures that range from medieval fortresses to grand 17th-century estates. This region provides a diverse architectural landscape for exploration. Visitors can discover well-preserved historical sites and impressive monuments. The area's castles showcase centuries of regional heritage and construction.
Best castles around Malay
- The most popular castles is Cormatin Castle, a castle that features a monumental stone staircase and a well-preserved Louis XIII apartment. Its gardens include a large boxwood…
Last updated: October 24, 2026
Cormatin Castle
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Brancion Castle
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Sercy Castle
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Château de Gros Chigy
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La Serrée Castle
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Fantastic example of the development of military architecture from the 10th to the 14th century. Opening hours: The castle is open daily from April 1st to November 15th. Visiting hours are between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM and from 1:15 PM to 6:30 PM. Admission prices: Admission price for adults €8 (including audio guide). For children between 5 and 16 years old, admission costs €4.
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The Château de Cormatin is a magnificent early 17th-century water castle. The castle was built between 1606 and 1625 by the Marquises d'Huxelles. It houses the best-preserved state rooms from the time of Louis XIII in all of France. Famous are the "Gilded Rooms" (Salles Dorées) with lavish paintings, sculptures, and gold leaf ceilings. The extensive grounds, covering approximately 12 hectares, are among the most beautiful gardens in France. Highlights in the outdoor area include a large boxwood maze, an open-air baroque theatre, water features, and a historic vegetable garden.
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The current complex was built in the 15th century, after a predecessor had been destroyed on the orders of the French king. The irregular quadrilateral encloses a central courtyard. The striking north entrance, visible in the picture, is flanked by two mighty round towers equipped with gun loops (archères-canonniers) and was formerly protected by a drawbridge. The complex has been a listed Monument historique since 1967. Parts of the castle have been restored and are privately used as a charming guest house (Le Gros Chigy Château) for travellers in Burgundy.
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The residence of the Marquis d'Huxelles, built between 1606 and 1625, is home to the most sumptuous Louis XIII apartment preserved in France. Fireplaces, ceilings and wood panelling were painted, carved and gilded with sumptuous exuberance for the favourite of Queen Marie de Medici. Paintings, tapestries and period furniture complete this seductive evocation of "château life" at the time of the "Three Musketeers". The tour also reveals a monumental stone staircase (20 metres high), an 18th century kitchen and the opulent 1900s salons of an opera director. The garden, in the spirit of the Baroque period, offers 12 hectares of flowerbeds, a large boxwood labyrinth with aviary-belvedere, vegetable garden, green theatre, water features and remarkable trees.
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Don't miss this little perched village.
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Picnic table, or lawn on the other side of the road, for those who want to picnic with a view. Few tourists even on a long weekend!
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This castle from the beginning of the 17th century can be visited, both for its gardens and for its interior. You will notably discover a monumental stone staircase and a well-preserved Louis XIII apartment. Outside, a large boxwood labyrinth, a green theater, ponds and flower beds will delight young and old alike.
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Very pretty castle! Always has an effect when I walk past!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Malay?
The Malay region offers a diverse range of historical structures, from medieval fortresses to grand 17th-century estates. You can find well-preserved medieval castles like Sercy Castle with its Romanesque chapel, and impressive 17th-century châteaux such as Cormatin Castle, known for its elaborate interiors and gardens.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the Malay region?
Yes, several castles around Malay are suitable for families. Cormatin Castle, for instance, features a large boxwood labyrinth, a green theater, ponds, and flower beds that delight both children and adults. Brancion Castle also offers an engaging historical experience with great panoramic views.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views?
Brancion Castle is highly recommended for its exceptional views. Perched overlooking the surrounding countryside, it provides a fantastic panorama, making it an essential crossing point for those seeking scenic vistas.
What historical significance do the castles around Malay hold?
The castles in the Malay region are steeped in history, showcasing centuries of regional heritage. For example, Sercy Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles, while Château de Gros Chigy was built in the 15th century after the destruction of an earlier castle during conflicts between the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy.
Can I find castles with unique architectural features in Malay?
Absolutely. Cormatin Castle is renowned for its monumental stone staircase and well-preserved Louis XIII apartment. La Serrée Castle, dating from the 15th century, features a distinctive porch tower flanked by a round tower and a staircase turret, along with a dovecote tower.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Malay's castles is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy various cycling routes, including touring, mountain biking, and road cycling. For instance, there are routes like the 'Cormatin Castle – Southern Burgundy Greenway loop' for touring bicycles, or the 'Cormatin Castle – Mount Saint-Romain loop' for mountain biking. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Malay, MTB Trails around Malay, and Road Cycling Routes around Malay guides.
Are there any castles that are particularly well-preserved?
Sercy Castle stands out as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the region, complete with a Romanesque chapel. Its historical integrity makes it a significant site for history buffs.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Malay?
Visitors frequently praise the beauty of the castles and their well-maintained gardens. Many appreciate the historical insights gained from guided tours and the peaceful ambiance. The maze at Cormatin Castle is often highlighted as a fun activity, especially for children, and the panoramic views from sites like Brancion Castle are highly valued.
Can I visit castles that were once royal residences or administrative centers?
While the guide focuses on castles, the broader region of Malay has historical sites that served various functions. The castles mentioned, such as Cormatin Castle, were grand residences, offering a glimpse into the lives of nobility and their architectural tastes from the 17th century.
Are there any castles that have been converted or repurposed?
Château de Gros Chigy is currently being repurposed, with guest rooms almost finished, indicating its future as a hotel. This offers a unique opportunity to experience a historical castle in a new way.
What kind of gardens can I expect to see at these castles?
The gardens at Cormatin Castle are particularly notable. They have been restored to reflect the ambiance of an early 17th-century park, featuring a vast flowerbed, a boxwood labyrinth with an aviary-belvedere, groves, a green theater, a vegetable garden, and various water features. Visitors are welcome to explore the park until 8 PM.
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