A mysterious monument!
Program of upcoming events 2025
December 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Gourmet conference (courtroom of Meauce Castle)
Summary of archaeological research carried out over the last 10 years at Meauce Castle. Perspectives and objectives 2026-2030.
By Nicolas Thomas, graduate in archaeology from the University of Paris Sorbonne - Administrator of the Association for the Preservation of the Château de Meauce
FREE ENTRANCE
Coffee, tea, cakes...
Nearly 1,000 years of history!
The castle of Meauce is one of the oldest in the Nivernais region. The first mention of the lords of Meauce dates back to 1070 and architectural elements have been dated to the first quarter of the 12th century.
The castle, the outbuildings and the 13 hectares of the site have been classified as a "Historical Monument" since 1923.
The site is located in a natural area of prime importance: the classified natural site of Bec d'Allier . It is in a Natura 2000 zone and is home to numerous species (more than 5,000 Common Cranes, Canada Geese, Kites, Black-crowned Night Herons, European Bee-eaters, and Storks in particular).
A castle rich in mysteries
Meauce is mysterious in more ways than one. It is mysterious because of its round shape, which makes it unique.
It is also unique because of its location: an old feudal mound that overlooked the Allier river and from which it borrowed its structure.
Its history makes it even more remarkable. The site, already occupied during the Merovingian era, yields fascinating archaeological discoveries every year. Meauce, beyond being one of the oldest castles, is also one of the most unusual in the Nivernais region.
From 1834 to 2016, it was left to decay and fell into a state of serious disrepair. The new owners, with the help of the Ministry of Culture and the Meauce Castle Preservation Association, undertook extensive restoration work to restore its former glory. It has been saved and can look forward to the coming years with confidence, even though significant work is still underway. It's a fascinating story: fascinating to follow, fascinating to experience.
A place of history at the service of nature
Located in the heart of the classified natural site of Bec d'Allier, the Château de Meauce is committed to a sustainable future by combining preservation of heritage, respect for biodiversity and social responsibility.
Our approach is based on five key areas:
Reducing the ecological footprint: responsible management of energy and water, support for short supply chains and promotion of soft mobility.
Sustainable waste management: sorting, recycling, composting, reuse, and use of environmentally friendly and responsible products.
Responsible food supply: local, organic and seasonal products, fight against food waste.
Social and cultural responsibility: promoting diversity, the role of women in the history of the castle, professional integration through heritage.
Awareness-raising and partnerships: events open to the public, collaborations with associations and schools, wildlife refuges and actions to protect the Allier river.
Through these commitments, the Château de Meauce aims to be an exemplary player in environmental preservation, heritage transmission, and the building of a more inclusive and nature-respecting society . The process of obtaining the European Ecolabel certification is underway and will recognize the actions taken daily to uphold our commitments.
Labelling project
