Two different themes for exploration come together in Aisey-Sur-Seine: the overgrown remains of the Château des Ducs de Bourgogne at La Barque and the rural route of the Circuit des Fermes. The architectural history also spans different periods, from the château to the parish church of Saint-Genest. You can therefore focus your stay on historic buildings, visible traces of the past, or the landscape and its former uses.
Castle Ruins at La Barque
The Château des Ducs de Bourgogne was probably built in the 12th century. Four towers flanked the complex, which was surrounded by a double moat. Its overgrown remains are located at La Barque; the base of the northeastern tower is still visible. The recorded layout, with its towers and moat, and the surviving remains visible today offer two different perspectives on the château’s history: its original design and a tangible trace that remains on site.
Tours of the remains are available for groups by prior appointment with the Office de Tourisme du Châtillonnais. If you plan to visit, allow time to make arrangements in advance. This makes a tour an option that groups can organize, rather than a spontaneous activity.
The History of the Château and Church
The Château de Tavannes was built between 1735 and 1744 for Charles de Saulx, Vicomte de Tavannes. It also preserves a stair tower dating from the 15th or 16th century. Different periods are therefore represented in one building: the château’s construction and an older architectural feature. The protected status also covers specific parts of the estate. By decree of 20 May 1988, the façades and roofs of the château and the two entrance pavilions, two sets of railings with their pillars, and two access stairways were listed as a Monument historique.
The parish church of Saint-Genest also has an earlier history. It was built on the site of a former church founded by Flavigny Abbey. The building followed a design by Henri Monniot; final acceptance took place on 7 December 1880. This makes it possible to distinguish an earlier ecclesiastical foundation from a later phase of construction, rather than treating both as belonging to the same period.
The Circuit des Fermes and the Landscape
The Circuit des Fermes passes through Chemin-d'Aisey, Aisey-Sur-Seine and Semond. Its route crosses plateaus and agricultural tracks and runs past limestone walls. These walls bear witness to the former pastoral use of the routes. The route therefore offers more than a way to navigate three communes: it also passes traces of how the landscape was used in the past. If you are interested in these traces in the landscape as well as architectural history, the Circuit offers a distinct perspective on the region. Route information may change, so check the current description before setting out.
A Stop in the Former Railway Station Hall
The Espace Guinguette – Bistrot de la Gare is located in the former railway station hall. For visits after 31 December 2026, check availability in advance. This allows you to include this potential stopping point in your plans at the right time, without equating it with a broader local culinary tradition.
Discover more destinations: La Chaume, Lamarche-Sur-Saône, Mont-Saint-Jean, Terrefondrée, Saussey, Saint-Seine-L'abbaye, Vitteaux, Montagny-Lès-Beaune
For the broader travel guide: Cote-Dor.
