Château de Flaugergues

One of the oldest “Folies de Montpellier,” the Château de Flaugergues has been in the same family for more than three centuries.

Site History

Built in 1696, the Château de Flaugergues is one of the oldest “Montpellier Follies,” summer residences of the city’s rich and famous. Its first owner, Etienne de Flaugergues, worked on the building for more than 45 years to achieve its final appearance. It is distinguished by its imposing interior and two avant-corps, which are evocative of 16th-century Tuscan villas. The interiors house archival documents, Flemish tapestries from the workshops of Philippe Wauters (active ca. 1670s), furniture in the Louis XVI style and a monumental staircase. 

Listed as a historic monument, the château also features a beautifully landscaped park and listed “Remarkable Gardens.” Since 1972, Henri and Brigitte de Colbert have overseen the revival of the estate, which has remained in the same family for over 300 years.

About the Project

The restoration concerns two statues made of limestone, installed in 1728, representing La paix and L’abondance, similar to those at Versailles. The theme is a classical one, Peace and Abundance being intimately linked. They were sculpted by Jean-Louis Guyon, one of the very few sculptors to sculpt the teeth of his figures, as is the case at Flaugergues. The statues are classified as historic monuments, and their presence is a contributing factor to the landmarked status of the site. They occupy a choice location, situated on either side of the terrace in front of the château. However, they are damaged and in need of restoration. The limestone is, in places, highly eroded or encrusted with microorganisms. There are cracks, cavities and some gaps, and cement filling from a previous restoration needs to be corrected. 

Château de Flaugergues Today

Open year-round, the Château de Flaugergues is an oasis of greenery within the city of Montpellier, 10 minutes from the center as well as the airport, the train station and the sea. The grounds include French-style gardens, an orangery, an English-style park, a “five senses” garden and a bamboo plantation. The 28 hectares of vineyards produce elegant wines that can be found both in the wine cellar and on the table at Folia, the on-site restaurant, led by Chef Damien Fourvel.