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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Braux-Sainte-Cohière was built in the 16th century by Philippe de Thomassin, lord of Braux and governor of Châlons-sur-Marne in 1588. This former fortified commandory, designed for light horses, illustrates the military architecture of the late Renaissance. The site played a strategic role during the French Revolution, serving as headquarters for Generals Kellermann and Dumouriez during the Battle of Valmy in 1792, a landmark event in French military history.

In 2004, a fire ravaged a rear wing of the castle, requiring major restoration work until 2007. Since 2014, the monument has belonged to the Pernin family, which is actively engaged in its preservation and enhancement. The castle, partially classified as a Historical Monument since 1972 (facades, roofs, interior staircase, dove and dove), bears witness to both local history and contemporary heritage issues.

The commune of Braux-Sainte-Cohière, located in the department of Marne, is marked by a rural past and a topography linked to the marshes, as evidenced by the Gaulish etymology of its name (bracu, meaning "marsais"). The castle, with its adjacent pond (the King pond), is part of a landscape shaped by agriculture and streams, reflecting human occupation since the Middle Ages.

The Battle of Valmy (20 September 1792), in which the castle was associated, opposed the French revolutionary troops to the Prussian and Austrian coalitions. This conflict, often seen as a turning point in the Revolution, enshrines the victory of the French armies and strengthens their morale. Valmy Mill, symbol of this battle, is a few kilometres west of Braux-Sainte-Cohière, highlighting the strategic importance of the region.

Architecturally, the castle combines defensive elements (douves, fortified commons) and residential, characteristic of the seigneurial houses of the modern era. Its dovecote and outbuildings recall its role as an economic and agricultural centre for the estate. Recent restorations aim to preserve this heritage while adapting to contemporary uses, such as public reception or cultural events.

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