Before it became known as Chateau de Villersexel, the estate was originally the residence and an ancestral home of the Grammont Family. The family's fortunes came from their baronial demesnes and service as knights to the Counts. At their height, they held several estates, including Château de Bougey in Haute-Saône.  The site of the present château was previously home to two earlier castles built by the family. The first one existed since the Middle Ages, but burnt down in the year 1000. The second chateau was said to be much larger than the current one, though it was lost in the Battle of Villersexel in 1871, during the Franco-Prussian War. Today, remnants of that second château remain visible on the grounds and are preserved as part of the estate’s history.

Construction of the current chateau started in 1882 and finished in 1887. Since the previous chateaux were built using wood for their primary structure, the Grammonts decided on using a different material for the new one. They entrusted the project to an engineer who had been using iron to construct bridges around France, Gustave Eiffel. Eiffel collaborated with renowned architect Charles Garnier, already celebrated for masterpieces such as the Palais Garnier in Paris and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo in Monaco.

During World War II, the château was owned by Marquis François de Grammont, who served as a captain in the French Resistance. He was eventually captured by the Nazis and died in the Dachau concentration camp. His sacrifice is honored today with a street in Villersexel bearing his name.

In 1976, the Grammonts sold Chateau de Villersexel to Jean-Pierre Potet, an eager aristocrat who fell in love with the castle's history and beauty. He moved in with his family, though the cost of upkeep and maintenance of the estate was overwhelming. He also made many attempts to recover the chateau's original furniture that was lost when it was looted during the Second World War. To ease the burden, his son, Basin-Jules Potet, convinced him to open the chateau to tours, events, and stays. Jean-Pierre and his wife Corinne would lead the guided tours of their estate, as well as personally welcome guests who would be lodging with them.

Jean-Pierre Potet passed away in 2022, but Corinne and their children continue to operate the château in his memory, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Design and Architecture

The main manor of Chateau de Villersexel was the collaborative effort of two brilliant French minds of the 1800s - architect Charles Garnier and engineer Gustave Eiffel. The manor's exterior was designed in the Louis XIII style, representing the gorgeous, geometrical architecture of the early 17th century. On the other hand, its interiors are much opulent and intricate, featuring beautifully carved wood that lines the ceilings and walls. Sections of the chateau are especially extravagant, such as the salon with its murals and carvings on the walls and ceiling, which makes it a popular venue for gatherings and weddings.

Compared to the palatial spaces open to the public, the guest chambers of the chateau focus less on ostentatious clutter. Antique and vintage furniture and fixtures create a comfortable, perhaps even homey, space where guests can let down their guard and relax. Though only five rooms are currently available as lodgings, each is carefully decorated and designed, and thus unique from the other.

For a small fee of 15 EUR (16.90 USD), guests staying at Chateau de Villersexel can enjoy a lovely French breakfast at the castle's Grand Dining Room. Savor delightful breads and pastries, all freshly baked that same dawn. Sweeten up your morning with locally produced jams and in-season fruits. If you're traveling with kids below 10 years old, their breakfast fee will only be 7.50 EUR (8.40 USD).

You won't need to fret about where to grab lunch or dinner as Villersexel has several food establishments where you can grab a bite. Café du Center is a lovely roadside cafe with big servings of meals and desserts, while Le Bosphore features tasty fast-food items such as kebabs and pizzas.

Cultural and Outdoor Activities

On top of providing lavish stays, Chateau de Villersexel provides guests a complete and immersive experience with its various activities offered. Challenge your physical capabilities with a day of ziplining and river kayaking. You can also go at your own pace with some biking or trail hiking around Villersexel. Guests who'd rather take it easy can enjoy an afternoon of horse coaching, and learn to forge bonds with animals. The chateau is also open for tours, so take the chance to join one when it's available. There are also special community events such as rock concerts and yoga sessions.

Aside from Chateau de Villersexel, the region is dotted with numerous other castles, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. Château d'Oricourt and Château de Montby are two nearby castles that are recognized as historic monuments and are undergoing restoration. Château d'Oricourt is known for being one of the best preserved medieval castles in the region, while Château de Montby is flocked to by visitors because of its medieval battle reenactments and festivals.

Other Celebrations

Chateau de Villersexel can be booked as a venue not just for weddings, but also for business events and family gatherings. If you're traveling with a large group and planning a special birthday or anniversary, you can get in touch with the management and see if they can help make arrangements. You can also try collaborating with them if the celebration you have is on a smaller and more intimate scale, such as a romantic dinner for two.