Balade de découverte du patrimoine en covoiturage « sur les pas de Vergennes »

A walk to discover the local heritage: ‘In the footsteps of Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes, a Burgundian who was a key figure in the United States’ independence and a leading minister under Louis XVI.’

Meet in front of the church at Saint-Gervais-sur-Couches – Booking strongly recommended!
Heritage discovery walk by carpool: ‘In the footsteps of Vergennes’: the hamlet of Vergennes (Saint-Gervais-sur-Couches), Toulongeon Castle and its outbuildings (currently owned by three people, including Bernard Gueugnon, treasurer of CeCAB, and the artist ‘La Chantal et ses poules’ (Chantal Dunoyer), who will present her works to you) and 4 Rue du Vieux Collège in Autun.

- A visit to the Château d’Alone-Toulongeon, which was plundered after the Revolution and subsequently abandoned; the remaining ruins serve as a reminder of its prestigious past.

- Lunch at the Auberge Solâ in La Chapelle-sous-Uchon for 28 euros (the ‘Vergennes’ set menu).

- At the base of the Alone Tower, a 12th-century square tower, stand the foundations of the curtain walls rebuilt in the 18th century, flanked by three round towers. A fourth round tower remains to be discovered. The northern tower features a very well-preserved vaulted chamber which is home to a colony of pipistrelles. These remains, partially surrounded by the moat, mark the site of the 16th–17th-century drawbridge.
The buildings in the outer bailey, including the service quarters, are reminiscent of a small castle and have been preserved.
The castle chapel, which was extended to serve as a dwelling, survived the fire of 1953.
This château has been home to some famous figures. Françoise de Toulonjon, wife of Antoine de Toulonjon, was the daughter of Saint Jeanne de Chantal and the aunt of the Marquise de Sévigné. Their daughter, Gabrielle de Toulonjon, married Roger de Rabutin, Count of Bussy. The last owner was Charles Gravier de Vergennes.

- Places to visit in Autun: Rue au Raz (former convent of the Visitation Sisters) and 4 Rue du Vieux Collège (former residence of Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes).

Show less