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Origin and history

Marmont Manor House is a former seigneurial residence located in Bény, in the department of Ain, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This wood-paned building, typical of Bressane architecture, dates from the 15th century for its main body (1434), while its operating buildings date back to 1840. It is distinguished by its imposing dimensions (31 m long, 11 m wide, 10 m high) and its floor, mark of its noble origins.

The mansion originally belonged to the house of Burgundy until 1289, when it was sold to the Andelot family. Hugues d'Andelot, lord of Marmont, rebuilt the château du Bois in Pressiat around 1370. The estate was transformed into a farm in the 19th century, changing ownership in the 20th century from the Revel families (1900) to Blanc, before being bought in 2007. A major restoration was then undertaken to save him from abandonment, removing the site from the list of monuments at risk.

Since July 23, 1992, the manor house has included in its protection the adjoining well and the buildings of communes. Although private property not open to the public, it has exceptionally hosted cultural events, such as a concert in 2011 and a presentation of restoration work in 2012, welcomed by the local authorities.

The mansion illustrates the architectural and social evolution of the Bresse, from a seigneurial function to agricultural, then to a preserved heritage. Its architecture, with its wooden panels and its imposing structure, bears witness to medieval construction techniques adapted to local needs. The recent restoration has made it possible to value this historical testimony, while maintaining its private character.

Available sources, including the work of Martine Diot, highlight its importance in the rural heritage of Bressan. The Marmont mansion remains an emblematic example of noble homes transformed over the centuries, reflecting the economic and social changes in the region.

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