Château de Germolles - Southern Burgundy
As one of the finest surviving examples of a Burgundian ducal residence, a visit to Château de Germolles is a popular excursion on French Hotel Barge Finesse's itinerary in Southern Burgundy. It’s a serene setting in which to learn more about the influential dukes who shaped Burgundy in the late medieval and early Renaissance periods.
Philip the Bold
The Valois Dukes of Burgundy – Philip the Bold, John the Fearless, Philip the Good and Charles the Bold – were thought to have ruled over the “Golden Age” of medieval Burgundy, when the groundwork was laid for both a cultural and an economic Renaissance in the region. Philip made the impressive Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy in Dijon his central seat, adding a vast ceremonial hall and kitchens where 30 chefs could prepare a banquet all at once.
In 1380 the Château de Germolles, described as “austere” at first, was offered by Philip to his wife, Margaret III of Flanders. The house would soon be turned into a refined and luxurious country retreat by the Duchess, boasting murals painted by the best artists from the Burgundian School.
Although the palace at Dijon retains very little of its architecture from this period, the house at Germolles is a wonderfully preserved example of the splendour of the ducal court on the eve of the Renaissance.
Visiting the Château
Heraldic frescos decorate the private apartments of Margaret’s country residence; the chapels and the Hall of Honour are also impressive late medieval statements, while the thirteenth-century storeroom gives you a glimpse into the effort it would have taken downstairs to maintain such a grand house. Tours are often conducted by the present-day owners of the property, who are able to share a great deal of the château’s history. History lovers aboard the hotel barge Finesse are always impressed and enlightened by this fascinating visit.
About The French Hotel Barge Finesse
Finesse
- Route: Southern Burgundy: River Saône & Canal du Centre between St-Julien-sur-Dheune and St-Jean-de-Losne
- Up to 8 guests
- Charters and Cabin cruises
- Itineraries: Standard classic, Bike, Family, Golf, Wine
- Learn More: Online Brochure
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book FINESSE
View Finesse's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
View Finesse's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
