Château de Cons-la-Grandville

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.

Site Location
Cons-la-Grandville, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France
Grant Year
2025
Award
$25,000
Sponsor
Paris Chapter, Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine Kaye Foundation
Restoration Details
Restoration work will address the framework and masonry of the old stables, which partially collapsed in World War II.
Project Initiated Jan 2025
Work Underway
Project Complete