Château de l’Épervière: the history of a Burgundy estate turned campsite
Today, this remarkable heritage property is home to Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite, a holiday destination where the Burgundian art of living can be enjoyed through nature, gastronomy and fine wines.
The medieval origins of Château de l’Épervière
From the 13th century onwards, several châteaux were built in different locations within the same enclosure on the Gigny-sur-Saône estate. At that time, the property was closely linked to village life and to the families who worked for its lords.
Local archives notably record the presence of the de Clugny family in the 18th century. In 1776, François-Victor de Clugny was mentioned as Lord of Gigny, l’Épervière, La Colonne and Lampagny. Just a few years later, however, the former buildings had fallen into ruin.
This long history explains why the château is sometimes associated with several different periods. Although the estate does indeed have medieval origins, most of the main building visible today dates from the late 18th century.
1788: the reconstruction of Château de l’Épervière
François-Julien de Géramb acquired the property in 1788. Originally from Vienna, he had previously served Emperor Joseph II before settling in France, where he worked in banking and the silk trade in Lyon.
When he took possession of l’Épervière, the earlier châteaux lay in ruins. He had them demolished and began constructing a new residence: the building that still forms the heart of the estate today.
The château was designed in a classical style, with a main building and two wings set at right angles. Together, they frame a courtyard enclosed by a stone parapet. A carriage gateway and stone bridge cross the moat, part of which remains visible today. On the park side, a rounded central projection adds character to the façade, while a large lake stretches southwards among the trees.
The château during the French Revolution
Soon after its reconstruction, Château de l’Épervière entered a particularly turbulent period. During the French Revolution, the residence was looted and badly damaged. The de Géramb ladies, mother and daughter, were imprisoned in Chalon-sur-Saône before eventually returning to Gigny-sur-Saône.
The estate also remained at the centre of disputes with local villagers, particularly concerning paths, land and livestock access to watering places. These episodes illustrate how closely the life of a château and that of its surrounding community were intertwined at the time.
The building was restored following the revolutionary unrest. François-Julien de Géramb returned to France and died at the château in 1803.
From the 19th century to the restoration of the estate
Château de l’Épervière changed hands several times during the 19th century. In 1825, the property was sold to Jean-Jacques-Marie Huvé, architect to King Charles X and a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. It was later acquired by the de Ronfand family, who undertook further restoration work around 1830.
Following the death of Madame de Ronfand, the château was sold again in 1883. It subsequently became a residence let to various occupants. Its furniture was dispersed, part of the park was cleared and the gardens gradually lost their formal layout. In 1905, the estate became the property of Mr Merlin, a notary in Gigny-sur-Saône.
A decisive new chapter began in 1966, when the Gay family undertook a major restoration of the château. This conservation work restored the estate’s character and prepared it for a new purpose: welcoming holidaymakers to the heart of Burgundy.
A château listed as a Historic Monument
The heritage value of Château de l’Épervière was officially recognised on 23 July 1976. The façades and roofs of the main building and its two wings, together with the carriage gateway and wrought-iron gate, were listed as Historic Monuments.
This protection highlights the architectural significance of the building reconstructed in the late 18th century. It also helps preserve the identity of an estate whose historic features are now an integral part of the experience enjoyed by holidaymakers.
At Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite, the château is therefore much more than a backdrop. Its courtyard, vaulted wine cellar, stone buildings, moat and park lend every stay a distinctive atmosphere, deeply rooted in the history of the estate.
From historic estate to five-star campsite in Burgundy
Through successive restoration projects, Château de l’Épervière has become an iconic destination for outdoor holidays. Today, the estate is home to a five-star campsite set within extensive wooded grounds in Southern Burgundy, in Gigny-sur-Saône, between Tournus and Chalon-sur-Saône.
Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite remains particularly committed to the spirit of traditional camping. Its 160 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes are spread throughout a leafy natural setting. They are exceptionally spacious, with some extending to 250 sq m. Three gîtes housed in the château’s outbuildings complete the accommodation available.
The estate also features a heated outdoor swimming pool with a paddling pool, a small indoor pool, a playground, a multi-sports pitch and a lake. The campsite has also been awarded the Green Key label, reflecting its commitment to energy management, waste sorting and the responsible maintenance of its natural surroundings.
Corinne and Jean Garnier, the campsite’s new owners
Since 2026, Corinne and Jean Garnier have been writing a new chapter in the estate’s history. As the campsite’s new owners, they have succeeded Gert-Jan Engel and are continuing the tradition of hospitality that has defined Château de l’Épervière for several decades.
Their ambitions are firmly rooted in the spirit of the estate: preserving its heritage, fostering a welcoming atmosphere and helping visitors discover Burgundy from a different perspective. At Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite, the experience is shaped not only by the beauty of the surroundings, but also by personal encounters, shared knowledge and the pleasure of introducing guests to the region’s many riches.
Burgundian food and wine in the heart of the château
A stay at Château de l’Épervière also provides an opportunity to experience the Burgundian art of living without leaving the estate. Located within the château, the restaurant showcases regional specialities such as eggs in meurette sauce, snails and beef bourguignon, alongside other meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.
When the fine weather arrives, meals can be served on the covered terrace in the château courtyard. From mid-May to mid-September, winegrowers from Southern Burgundy and Beaujolais also present their wines during tasting sessions held in the vaulted cellar.
These events offer guests an opportunity to explore the region’s terroirs and winemaking expertise in a setting steeped in history. It is a particularly enjoyable way to connect the château’s past with the Burgundy of today.
What can you visit near Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite?
The estate is an excellent base from which to explore Southern Burgundy. Several must-see destinations are within easy reach of Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite:
Tournus, with its historic centre and the Abbey of Saint-Philibert, one of France’s great Romanesque monuments;
Chalon-sur-Saône, its riverside walks and the Nicéphore Niépce Museum, dedicated to the inventor of photography;
the Côte Chalonnaise and the Burgundy Wine Route, with wine-producing villages, estates and vineyard landscapes;
the Rock of Solutré, whose summit offers sweeping views across the Mâconnais;
Louhans, renowned for its arcades and traditional market;
the Voie Bleue cycle route, perfect for a bike ride along the River Saône.
With heritage sites, gastronomy, walks and wine tastings to enjoy, everyone can plan a stay to suit their own pace and interests.
Château de l’Épervière today: a living history
More than seven centuries after the first residences were built on the site, l’Épervière continues to reinvent itself. A seigneurial château, an estate marked by the Revolution, a restored residence and, finally, a holiday destination: every era has left its mark.
Today, Corinne and Jean Garnier look after this heritage property while welcoming visitors to a five-star campsite dedicated to nature and the discovery of Burgundy. Sleeping beside the moat, dining in the château, stepping down into its cellar or admiring its façade from across the lake allows guests to experience history rather than simply observe it.
At Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite, the past is never frozen in time: it accompanies every new day of your holiday.
FAQ – The history of Château de l’Épervière
When was Château de l’Épervière built?
The history of the estate dates back to the 13th century, with several châteaux having occupied different locations within the same enclosure. The main building visible today was constructed in 1788 by François-Julien de Géramb on the site of the earlier residences, which had fallen into ruin.
Is Château de l’Épervière a listed Historic Monument?
The façades and roofs of the main building and its two wings, together with the carriage gateway and wrought-iron gate, have been listed as Historic Monuments since 23 July 1976.
Can you visit Château de l’Épervière?
Château de l’Épervière is privately owned and cannot be visited in the same way as a conventional historic attraction. Guests staying at the campsite can, however, discover some of its spaces, including the restaurant, inner courtyard and vaulted cellar where wine tastings are held.
When did the château become a campsite?
The Gay family undertook a major restoration project in 1966. The estate then gradually developed as a holiday destination, eventually becoming the five-star campsite known today and joining the Les Castels collection.
Who currently owns Château de l’Épervière campsite?
Since 2026, Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite has been run by Corinne and Jean Garnier. They are continuing the estate’s story while protecting its heritage, natural surroundings and welcoming atmosphere.
What accommodation is available at Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite?
The campsite offers 160 spacious, leafy pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Three gîtes housed in the château’s outbuildings also allow guests to stay right beside this historic property.
What can you visit near Château de l’Épervière?
From Les Castels Château de l’Épervière campsite, holidaymakers can easily reach Tournus and the Abbey of Saint-Philibert, Chalon-sur-Saône, the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise, the Rock of Solutré, Louhans and the Voie Bleue cycle route along the River Saône.
