Château de Thil

"The oldest fortified castle in France" A. Malraux
9th-14th century
The fortress of Thil is a majestic, timeless ruin on an isolated promontory. It offers an exceptional panoramic view over the Morvan and Auxois regions. It is one of the most powerful fortresses in the region. Private historic monument open to visitors.

Today, the majestic ruins of the Thil fortress are accessed via a superb avenue of five hundred-year-old lime trees. Thil was constantly enlarged and modified, with the site enhancing its residential qualities while retaining its defensive prerogatives. The apogee of the site is linked to Jean II de Thil, then Constable (head of the armies) to the Duke of Burgundy Eudes IV and adviser to King Philippe de Valois. He endowed the site with its finest architectural features.

From all these changes remain: superb cellars dating from the 12th century with Romanesque and Gothic vaults; the 14th century tower; the "Espionne de l'Auxois": a 5-storey watchtower, over 25 m high, that can be seen from 30 km around, built in 1366 on the west face of the fortress following an attack by the écorcheurs (a band of robbers).A remarkable "guards' house": on the first floor we can still see 2 superb fireplaces and the foundations of a double latrine.

The tour is free, with explanatory panels (architecture, history) at various points. You can also discover the medieval flower garden: columbine, acanthus, rose, mallow, peony, Damask nigella, etc.