Château de Sambucy

Built as a private townhouse between 1672 and 1674, the Château de Sambucy evolved to include impressive 18th-century frescoes and both French and English gardens, and it remains in the same family today.

Site History

Between 1672 and 1674, Jacques Duchesne, Advisor to the King and Master of Waters and Forests in the ancient province of Rouergue, had a private townhouse built, complete with a French garden. In 1720, it became, by marriage, the home of Marc-Antoine de Sambucy. Between 1730 and 1780, the side wings were built and the French garden extended. The impressive painted frescoes and decorations carved in stucco also date from this period. The period from 1830 to 1850 saw other major transformations, including the creation of an English garden with the introduction of Atlas cedars, as well as construction of the orangery and the last outbuildings. 

The château remains in the same family today. It was listed as a historic monument in 1992 and classified in 1995.

About the Project

The restoration work concerns the porch of the cour d’honneur (courtyard of honor) and stairway of the cour des chevaux (horse yard). Work on the porch consists of removing the steps and stone slabs to purge the backfill of dirt and replace it with an incompressible aggregate. Lime concrete will be used to create a new support for the steps and stone slabs. The stairwell of the cour d’honneur has significant cracks, caused by weakening of the foundations due to the vaulted sewer that runs beneath it. Reinforced concrete pylons will be used to reinforce and restore the foundations.

Château de Sambucy Today

The château has been in the same family since its construction, as the current owner is a direct descendant of the builder. It is essential that this family heritage be maintained and passed down. The château is now fully integrated into the town of Millau, of which it is the main heritage monument, and is central to promoting the heritage and cultural riches of southern Aveyron. Arts and cultural activities help to fund the preservation of this family treasure while transmitting the beauty of the château and its grounds to younger generations. 

The gardens are fully accessible to people with disabilities, and the interiors are partially so. Open to the public from April to October, the site takes part in the Rendez-vous aux Jardins in June and European Heritage Days in September.