France

Constructed in the 16th century, the Château de Servigny hosted the signing of the Treaty of Servigny at the end of World War II, formalizing the German surrender of the region.

Site History & Significance

The Château de Servigny is a landmark in the history of the Second World War. Built in the 16th century and completely remodeled in the 19th, it served as a command post for American Major General James Lawton Collins, Commander of the Seventh Army Corps, during the Normandy landings. The château’s Surrender Room was the site of the signing of the Treaty of Servigny, also known as the Surrender of Cherbourg, which formalized the surrender of the German general in charge of the region.

About the Restoration Project

The FHS grant supports the restoration of the château’s roof and framework.

Château de Servigny Today

The Château de Servigny, also known as the Château de la Paix, has organized a series of peace-focused events for young people since 2014. These initiatives include the creation of a Mosaic of Peace under the patronage of UNESCO; the establishment of a Palm Grove of Peace; and the design of Memory and Peace Circuits for students visiting significant Norman D-Day sites. In June 2024, the château hosted a luncheon as part of the ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allies’ landing in Normandy, with guests of honor addressing an audience of over 300 young people to discuss the transmission of their legacies and memories and the pursuit of peace.

A noble residence built between the 12th and 16th centuries, the Logis de Moullins comprises a complex of buildings that reflect its architectural evolution.

Site History & Significance

The Logis de Moullins is a noble residence built between the 12th and 16th centuries, and its various buildings catalogue the architectural changes made during that period. The aula, built around 1300, is a large ceremonial hall that was meant to welcome prestigious visitors and further the tradition of vassalage. Today, this building is the last surviving example in France of a single-story basilica-plan hall with a central nave and two aisles.

About the Restoration Project

The owners of the Logis de Moullins have dedicated their lives to the restoration of this historic property. The current project involves repairing the roof of the aula and securing the walls to reinforce the structure as a whole, ensuring that it doesn’t deteriorate further.

Logis de Moullins Today

The Association of Friends of the Medieval Domain of Moullins assists the owners in organizing cultural events. The estate welcomes student groups to introduce them to the organization of life in the Middle Ages. It also hosts highly popular annual events, including the “Reading to Animals” festival, and participates in European Heritage Days.

After 37 years of research, the Friends of the Medieval Domain of Moullins, in collaboration with the owners, are working on a comprehensive book on the history, architecture and archaeological analysis of Moullins. The book is intended for both specialists and the general public, with numerous photographs, plans and sections to enhance understanding.

Combining characteristics of a medieval fortress with elements of a Renaissance residence, the Château de Saveilles stands as a rare example of pristine architectural preservation.

Site History & Significance

A rare example of pristine architectural preservation, the Château de Saveilles is one of the most remarkable castles in Charente. With its surrounding walls, outbuildings and vast park, it perfectly represents the evolution of fortified noble houses. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, the château combines the characteristics of a medieval fortress, surrounded by moats with two defensive towers, with the delicately carved dormer windows and chimneys of a Renaissance residence. Two dormant bridges from the 18th century connect it to the outside. The château’s excellent preservation in its original state can be attributed to the fact that the estate has remained in the hands of the same family since 1307.

About the Restoration Project

Although the Château de Saveilles is in a very good state of preservation overall, modifications have created significant structural fragilities. The restoration project focuses on the framework and masonry of the east façade to stabilize the building as a whole. Additionally, the four chimneys and the east gable exhibit cracks and gaps in the facing, requiring reinforcement.

Château de Saveilles Today

Since 1987, the site has been open for self-guided tours, mainly during the summer. In addition, visitors have opportunities to discover the estate in the company of the owner during themed guided tours, with playful routes set up for younger audiences. Hot-air balloon rides launch from the park, offering an unforgettable experience. Every August, the estate hosts a performance of the open-air opera Un soir d’été à Saveilles, welcoming tourists and locals alike to enjoy the grounds.

An emblematic monument within Morvan Regional Natural Park, the 18th-century Château de la Roche offers stunning views and showcases architectural elements characteristic of its era.

Site History & Significance

Perched on a rocky promontory in Larochemillay, Burgundy, the Château de la Roche stands as an emblematic monument, offering breathtaking views of Morvan Regional Natural Park. Built in the 18th century on the site of a fortified medieval castle, it is characterized by austere, classical architecture. After suffering a fire in 2008, the château has been undergoing gradual restoration to its original state.

About the Restoration Project

Château de la Roche has remained in the same family for 280 years, and they have preserved remarkable traces of its 18th-century decor. For example, stucco decorations are still visible in their original colors, a rare feature in this type of château. Wooden decorations are also still present, but have deteriorated, as have the stucco moldings in the vestibule. The FHS grant will help restore the intricate stucco and woodwork. It will also allow the château to remain open to the public and continue to boost the local economy through tourism.

Château de la Roche Today

Louis and Marie de La Ville-Baugé have been restoring the property for the past 20 years. Structural work began in 2011 and interior work in 2014. Future projects will include restoration of the park and medieval tower. The castle is located near a major Roman archaeological site, Bibracte, and contributes to the economic and touristic development of the region.

The expansive grounds of the Château de Bonrepos-Riquet informed the design of the Canal du Midi, which in turn inspired Thomas Jefferson’s designs for the Erie Canal.

Site History & Significance

The Château de Bonrepos-Riquet was the country estate of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the designer of the Canal du Midi, who acquired it in 1651. Rebuilt between 1654 and 1666, the château was erected on the remains of an ancient castle, marked by a platform surrounded by moats. Few elements of the 17th-century decor have survived, as the castle was redesigned and renovated during the 18th and 19th centuries, adapting its style to the tastes of those periods.

In the expansive park, Pierre-Paul Riquet meticulously planned the construction of the now-famous Canal du Midi in the South of France. He utilized the park’s natural features, such as springs and slopes, to experiment with various fundamental techniques used in the realization of the Canal du Midi, including source capture. The Canal du Midi is said to have inspired Thomas Jefferson’s designs for the Erie Canal.

About the Restoration Project

A remarkable feature of the estate, the Nymph Cave brilliantly exemplifies the taste of the time for rocky caves inspired by antiquity. It was designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet on the castle’s south terrace around 1670, using elements imported from Italy. Shell inlays once adorned the walls, framing two facing alcoves. Deemed too damp, caves fell out of fashion in the 18th century, and most of them disappeared from French gardens. Thus, the Bonrepos-Riquet cave serves as a rare and precious testament to the lifestyle of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Today, the structure is at risk of collapsing. It requires a significant restoration program to stabilize its state of preservation and enable its presentation to the general public. At the start of the restoration project, the cave’s original floor and remnants of conduits were uncovered, providing evidence of thoughtful hydraulic activity in relation to the surrounding park.

Château de Bonrepos-Riquet Today

The Bonrepos-Riquet castle hosts cultural and heritage events throughout the year, focusing on the figure of Pierre-Paul Riquet.

A rare example of a baroque castle from the Louis XIII era, the Château de Beaumesnil welcomes visitors to explore its collection of bookbindings, attend cooking demonstrations and stroll its extensive grounds.  

Site History & Significance

The Domaine de Beaumesnil dates back to 911, but the current château was built between 1633 and 1640. Restored in the 19th and 20th centuries, this family castle is surrounded by a 50-hectare park with formal French gardens. A rare example of a baroque castle from the Louis XIII era, the current residence bears the imprint of the waning Renaissance and is primarily built of brick and stone.

The Maistre family owned the château until 1928, when it was sold to Grand Duke Dimitri Pavlovich, who had been exiled from Russia following his participation in Rasputin’s assassination. Pavlovich and his American wife, Audrey Emery, moved into the former stables, which they converted into pavilions. In 1939, Jean Fürstenberg and his wife, Eugénie, acquired the château. They established a museum of ancient bookbindings, a passion of Jean Fürstenberg, and created the Fürstenberg-Beaumesnil Foundation to ensure the long-term future of the château.

About the Restoration Project

The restoration of the baroque-style Fountain of the Four Seasons, located adjacent to the Château de Beaumesnil, is a priority among the projects aimed at preserving the castle’s façade. Then-owner Audrey Emery brought the fountain back from a trip to Italy in the 1930s. Among its features, it is decorated with mascarons that echo the façade of the castle. The current project includes the refurbishment of deteriorated sculptures, particularly the consoles and the chapeau de gendarme (a French architectural element resembling a police officer’s hat), and the consolidation and repointing of the decorations, as well as the fountain’s restoration to a working state. Additionally, there are plans to enhance the fountain with lighting, making it more visible to visitors.

Château de Beaumesnil Today

Now managed by the Fürstenberg-Beaumesnil Foundation, the château is open to the public. In addition to the bookbinding museum, it offers cooking demonstrations and themed tours. Seasonal activities range from a giant living Cluedo known as Murder at the Castle to an Easter egg hunt and summer evening events with fireworks, allowing visitors to experience different aspects of the château and its grounds. 

Built in the 13th century, the Château de Vaussieux played a pivotal role in the American victory at Yorktown in the War of Independence.

Site History & Significance

The Château de Vaussieux, originally linked to the Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Longues, was built in the 13th century and reconstructed in the 17th century by Jacques de Thioult. In the 18th century, Philippe Jacques d’Héricy expanded the château by adding a floor and modernized its classical façades. A central pavilion was adorned with a balcony featuring the family coats of arms. Under Louis XVI, the château hosted 30,000 soldiers for military maneuvers to support American insurgents, contributing to the pivotal victory at Yorktown in 1781. Though partially damaged in World War II, it has been restored and features a romantic English-style park.

About the Restoration Project

The restoration project involves maintenance of the front façade, including the repair of the window masonry and the removal of bars added in the 1970s. The restoration also includes a cleaning program using abrasive jetting, a technique recommended by the French Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs.

Château de Vaussieux Today

The Château de Vaussieux, which recently came under new ownership, welcomes members of the public on European Heritage Days every September. In addition, the château hosts an annual reenactment of the Battle of Yorktown in October.

Inhabited by the same family since 1640, the Château de Cons-la-Grandville has undergone significant transformation over the centuries, including partial reconstruction after it was damaged in the Thirty Years’ War.

Site History & Significance

The Château de Cons-la-Grandville, built on a rocky promontory above the Chiers river, rests on the foundations of an earlier fortress erected by Dudon de Cons in the 11th century. The château has undergone numerous transformations and enhancements, evolving from a military function, with its massive lower sections, to a more decorative style that reflects a range of periods. Made of Jaumont, a yellow limestone, the building is distinguished by its richly adorned façades and harmonious interiors, which feature designs dating from the 13th to the 19th century and include the grand hall, Renaissance fireplaces and a chapel. Classical elements speak to its partial reconstruction following damage from the Thirty Years’ War.

Inhabited by the same family since 1640, the château has been passed down through women since the 11th century, illustrating a remarkable continuity of heritage. Today, it is owned by the ninth Marquis de Lambertye and Cons-la-Grandville.

About the Restoration Project

The west wing and stables partially collapsed on September 1, 1944, due to a fire set by German officers who used the site as an arms depot during the Second World War. The restoration project focuses on the framework and masonry of the stables.

Château de Cons-la-Grandville Today

The château opens to the public on a limited basis and prioritizes group visits, except during national public events like the Rendez-vous aux jardins and European Heritage Days. At the end of 2019, it hosted a game of giant Cluedo, in which participants investigated a staged mystery. A project for a guesthouse with wheelchair accessibility is under study.

With various elements built between the 14th and 19th centuries, the Château d’Epiry displays an evolving range of architectural styles.

Site History & Significance

The Château d’Epiry showcases an evolution of architectural styles. Its origins are unclear, but a square tower is known to have been built no later than the 14th century, around which time the Rabutin family occupied the château. Four round towers were subsequently constructed, along with their curtain walls. Around 1480, Hugues de Rabutin built a large chapel. The 15th century also saw the construction of a main building with an irregular layout, framed by the two northern towers and lit by mullioned windows. The estate later passed to the Magdelaine de Ragny family, who built a grand main building in 1717. In the 19th century, an elegant gate and two lion statues were constructed at the entrance.

The château is notable for being the birthplace of Roger de Bussy-Rabutin, a fascinating figure in the literary and social history of the 17th century. The first cousin of the famous Madame de Sévigné, Bussy-Rabutin caught the attention of King Louis XIV due to his quick wit and charm, and he became a flamboyant courtier, mingling in the intrigues and splendor of the court of Versailles. However, the circulation of his book L’histoire amoureuse des Gaules (The Amorous History of the Gauls), an audacious work that depicts the tumultuous loves of the nobles of his time, led to his banishment from court. He continued to write in exile, leaving behind a significant body of work that reflects on love and society.

About the Restoration Project

The FHS grant supports the restoration of the southern wing of the 15th-century main building. Work includes removing the roof to check the wooden structure underneath, then replacing the roof, including the ridges and ridge cap. The project extends to the installation of gutters and downspouts made of copper, creation of a “closed valley” to direct water flow, and placement of the ridge cap with crests and joints made of lime mortar.

Château d’Epiry Today

On taking over the Château d’Epiry in 2017, the new owners undertook a complete diagnosis of the site. It showed that a restoration of all the roofs and façades, with the exception of those of the four round towers and the medieval façade, was urgently needed. A work permit was granted, and restoration began in 2021. Once this work is complete, restoration will begin on other parts of the estate that are listed as Historic Monuments.

Constructed in the 12th century and seized as a national asset during the French Revolution, the Château de Valleroy has since passed into the hands of owners committed to restoring it to its former glory.

Site History & Significance

The Château de Valleroy, built in the 12th century, is a remarkable testament to local history. It underwent numerous architectural modifications over the centuries, weathering the tumultuous periods of the Renaissance and the ancien régime. However, the French Revolution marked a decisive turning point in its history: the château was seized as a national asset, and its owner, Count Philippe-Emmanuel de Salives, fled to Switzerland. Following the revolution, the château was gradually abandoned, its upkeep neglected, and it fell into a state of disrepair. In 1990, Jean-Paul Borsotti and his wife, Jacqueline, acquired the château with the goal of restoring it to its former glory.

In 1877, while plowing the fields, a local farmer uncovered a letter buried by Count de Salives before he fled to Switzerland, referencing a silver chest hidden somewhere between the château and the village cemetery. The fate of the treasure remains a mystery, leaving an intriguing question for history lovers and adventurers alike.

About the Restoration Project

The roof structure of the main building is in dire need of restoration. Significant damage has led to water infiltration, causing serious deterioration to the walls and spreading further into the lower levels of the château. To preserve the integrity of this historic landmark, the entire oak framework must be replaced. A dendrochronological study undertaken in 1999 revealed that some of the beams date back to the winter of 1527–28, and these are still in place today. In addition to the framework, the roof and wall copings require full restoration.

Château de Valleroy Today

The Association for the Reconstruction and Development of the Château de Valleroy promotes the preservation of the château and encourages its cultural and artistic development. The association also raises awareness of its significance through historical research and publications. The château is open to the public on Sunday afternoons from mid-April to early October and for four weeks starting in mid-July.

Built in the late 17th/early 18th century and long abandoned, the Château d’Annéot is a potent symbol of the revival of rural French heritage.

Site History & Significance

The domaine d’Annéot, located near Avallon and Vézelay, is a remarkable estate featuring a château dating from the late 17th to early 18th century, with outbuildings that include a caretaker’s house, stables, barns and a dovecote. After being abandoned for over 40 years, the Château d’Annéot and its outbuildings now face serious structural issues, particularly with regard to the roof framework and foundations.

About the Restoration Project

The FHS grant supports restoration of the pavilion central’ roof structure, one of the critical steps needed to safeguard this historic estate. Prolonged neglect has caused significant water damage to the roof timbers in multiple areas. Temporary supports currently hold up certain ceilings, and immediate intervention is needed to prevent the roofs of the château’s central pavilion from collapsing like that of the grand outbuilding, which has already caved in entirely.

Château d’Annéot Today

Though the Château d’Annéot represents a significant restoration challenge, the new owners, a couple deeply passionate about heritage preservation, have undertaken the work with great determination. With its rich history and distinctive architecture, the site stands as a symbol of the revival of rural French heritage.

Built between the 13th and 18th centuries, the well-preserved Château de Jarnioux exemplifies the evolution of architecture during that period.  

Site History & Significance

The Château de Jarnioux is a remarkable estate comprising several buildings constructed between the 13th and 18th centuries. Since 1750, no major architectural changes have been made, making it a well-preserved example of the evolving architecture of that period. The various structures, all built from golden limestone, are arranged across several levels of terraces. Among them is a Renaissance-style building, sometimes attributed to the renowned Renaissance architect Philibert de l’Orme, which overlooks the village below. Towering above the estate is a large tower resembling a keep, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. At its base, the tower houses a seigneurial prison, a reminder of the site’s feudal history.

About the Restoration Project

The restoration project focuses on the framework of the 18th-century section, particularly the lantern that protects the château’s bell, which is in urgent need of repair.

Château de Jarnioux Today

The Château de Jarnioux is one of the last examples of a château built entirely from golden stone. It has been in the same family for 250 years and is open to the public every weekend from May through October, as well as daily for three weeks in August during the owners’ vacation

Once a fortified enclosure, the Château de Mortiercrolles greets visitors with water-filled moats and a blend of Gothic, medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Site History & Significance

In the early 14th century, Mortiercrolles was a fortified enclosure. At the end of the 15th century, Pierre de Rohan transformed it into a pleasure residence designed in the Louis XII style. Today, water-filled moats surround the medieval enclosure, which contains the gatehouse, main residence, chapel, granaries and cellars, and stables. FHS previously supported the Château de Mortiercrolles in 2012 through a grant from our Dallas Chapter.

About the Restoration Project

The restoration project focuses on the five dormer windows of the gatehouse, which are particularly notable as examples of Second French Renaissance architecture from the latter half of the 16th century. Each large dormer window bears a beautiful coat of arms of the Rohan-Guémené family, still visible today. In early 2024, a heritage architect conducted a preliminary study of these dormers, revealing their very poor condition and urgent need for restoration. Some parts have already disappeared, and pieces of tuffeau stone frequently detach, resulting in the loss of valuable historical elements. Restoration work began in July 2024 to preserve this unique treasure of historical heritage.

Château de Mortiercrolles Today

The Château de Mortiercrolles is open for visits daily from mid-July through August, and it welcomes groups of at least 30 people by appointment year-round. The owners organize activities during European Heritage Days, such as demonstrations of clay spindle-making for the restoration of French-style ceilings, as well as a selection of concerts in the chapel and exhibitions throughout the year.

Built in the 13th century by the eldest son of Henry III of England, the Château de Tiregand passed through many hands, including the Saint-Exupéry family, relatives of the famed author of The Little Prince.

Site History & Significance

The Château de Tiregand was originally built in the 13th century by Edward Tyrgan, son of Henry III of England. It played a key role in the Hundred Years’ War as well as the French Wars of Religion. It was reconstructed in the 18th century by Jean Charles d’Augeard, who converted parts of the château into wine cellars and gave it its present architectural form. In the 20th century, it came into the possession of the Saint-Exupéry family, relatives of the famous author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The current owner, Louis Guyot, acquired the château in 2022.

About the Restoration Project

The restoration project centers on the belvédère (pavilion), which has been at risk for many years. The first essential step is to secure the structure to prevent its collapse. The FHS restoration grant is focused on this initial phase.

In the second phase, a heritage architect will conduct a study to explore the overall restoration of the pavilion, with the aim of transforming it into a musical gathering spot overlooking the Dordogne Valley.

Château de Tiregand Today

The château’s interior is closed to the public except on the annual European Heritage Days in September.

Following completion of the restoration project, plans for the music pavilion include hosting a performance of L’oiseau de feu (The Firebird) by American violinist David Park on a Stradivarius that once belonged to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Nicknamed “The Firebird” for the red-orange hue of its varnish, the violin is also known as the “ex-Saint-Exupéry.” As violinist Gerald Elias eloquently expressed regarding the legacy of the violin, echoing Louis Guyot’s mission to preserve Tiregand, “I avoid using the word ‘owner.’ This is a violin that has never been, nor will ever be, owned. It simply gets transferred from the reverential hands of one dedicated caretaker to another, from one century to the next. May humanity enjoy another 300 years of its singular beauty.”