Villersexel

Commune in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France

Coat of arms

Location of Villersexel

(2020–2026) Barbara Bockstall^[1]Area

13.19 km² (5.09 sq mi)Population

(2021)^[2]

1,419 • Density110/km² (280/sq mi)Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET) • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)INSEE/Postal code

70561 /70110

Elevation257–318 m (843–1,043 ft)¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Villersexel (French pronunciation: [vilɛʁsɛksɛl]) is a commune in the Haute-Saône department in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in eastern France.

City

The city, or commune of Villersexel is located within the Haute-Saône department, located within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. As noted, the current population is less than 2,000 residents. The city center includes several restaurants, a school, a church and the Château de Villersexel.

Battle of Villersexel

In 1871, a battle occurred within the area of Villersexel, with the chateau changing hands between the French and Prussians. For more information see the wiki page on the Battle of Villersexel

View of destruction to the village
Artillery placements at the ruins of the Château
view of destruction to the lower portion of the village

Chateau

The Château de Villersexel is located within the heart of the commune of Villersexel. The current chateau was built over a short period of time circa 1871 in the architectural style of Louis XIII. Originally, the chateau was known as the Chateau des Grammont.

History of Chateau

The current chateau was built in only a few years. Two previous chateau's have stood on the current site. Both previous chateau's were largely destroyed by fire. The fire which destroyed the second chateau occurred during the Battle of Villersexel. Remnants of the second chateau remain on the grounds. The second chateau was reportedly larger than the current chateau. Reportedly, both of the earlier chateau's were largely constructed of wooden timbers, as was common for many chateaus constructed during the 17th and 18th century.^[3]

After the second chateau was destroyed by fire, the baron was looking for a new architect who could design and build a structure that was more resistant to fire. At the time, the budding architect Gustave Eiffel was experimenting with Iron as a structural material. The officially listed architects of the current structure are Eiffel and Garnier.^[4] The Chateau is registered as a historic building in France. The Château de Villersexel is entirely furnished in the style of that period.

Currently, the Château de Villersexel is privately owned, and serves several purposes. It is a private residence for the owners and their family and houses a small museum. Additionally, the Chateau serves as a destination for weddings, receptions, and other large events. This Chateau offers a venue for events, including weddings, shows and receptions. Rooms can accommodate up to 100 people, and the chateau can house up to 100 people overnight.

The Chateau is reported to have housed many famous guests and residents, including Lafayette, who is reported to have lived in this Chateau, with stays by Charles De Gaulle and Winston Churchill.

The Chateau receives constant upkeep and renovations, with the bedrooms reflecting history with names such as : Empire, Honneur, Rotonde and Montebello.

Links to Chateau

The Chateau de Villersexel website

Listing on the Historic Hotels of Europe

References

^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires" (in French). data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises. 13 September 2022.
^ "Populations légales 2021". The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
^ Conversation with Baron Potet, circa May 27, 2002
^ fr:Château des Grammont