Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Courcelles-sous-Moyencourt, located in the Somme, finds its origins at the beginning of the seventeenth century, when the family of Sarcus, lord of the place since the sixteenth century, built there a mansion. This first building marked the beginning of a seigneurial history linked to this land, before the estate changed hands in the 18th century.

In 1718, Claude Eugène de Sarcus sold the estate to Pierre Langlois de Septenville, receiver general of the Picardie farms. His son, also named Pierre Langlois de Septenville, administrator of the Kingdom Post Office, launched the construction of the present castle in 1760. Work continued after his death in 1770, under the direction of his heir, Louis Léon Langlois de Septenville. The castle, characterized by its 100 harmoniously proportional doors and windows, today retains its 18th century authenticity.

The estate passed into the hands of Gomer's family in 1826, after Louis Léon's widow, Alexandrine Gorin de Tronville, sold it. Maxime de Gomer, 19th century owner and passionate horticulture, transforms the park into a 20-hectare arboretum, decorated with a rock cave and populated by rare species such as redwoods, cedars or araucarias. This park, as well as the outbuildings (colombier, mare, kennel), testify to the historical and natural richness of the site.

Ranked a historic monument in 1969 and registered in 1989, the castle went through the centuries with only ten owners. Today, its outdoors, open from May to November, visit with guides who also animate workshops around the lamas. The site thus combines architectural heritage, family history and biodiversity, in a framework preserved for more than three centuries.

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