The château (privately owned) dates back to the 14th century and has lost its main defensive features since the 17th century. The birthplace of Georges de Rarécourt de la Vallée, Marquis de Pimodan (1822-1860), this pleasure building led to a brilliant military career. Trained in Austria before entering the service of France, he was promoted to the rank of general a few weeks before his death in Italy, while taking part in the defence of the Papal States. In the evening of his life, his son Gabriel published a biography of his father in 1923, setting him up as a crusading hero who had died a martyr for his faith. One of the large stained glass windows in the church of Notre-Dame de Joinville, financed by the de Pimodan family, also commemorates the bravery of this general.
As this is a private site, it's best to enjoy it outside the property.
Château d'Echenay
