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Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Bazellaire de Lesseux is located in Lusse, in the east of the Vosges department, in the Grand Est region. It replaces an ancient feudal castle with turrets, owned by the family of Bazelaire de Lesseux, native to Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. This medieval building was completely destroyed by fire in 1822, leaving the site abandoned for nearly sixty years.

In 1880 Octave de Bazellaire de Lesseux, descendant of this noble line, began the construction of a new country castle on feudal foundations. Designed as a summer residence, the building adopts a sober yet elegant style, with two square floors, a top and a base. Its architecture is distinguished by a slate roof with long inverted panels, pavilion towers, and a symmetrical south facade, rhythmic by five openings and a central double staircase.

The interior houses a remarkable room: a huge room with a monumental five-metre-high fireplace, designed by Louis Majorelle according to Mr. Schuler's plans. This artistic masterpiece celebrates the family alliances of the Bazelar of Lesseux, with a golden equestrian statue of Jeanne d'Arc at the top, surrounded by the coats of arms of the allied families, including that of the Lys. The presence of Joan of Arc is explained by this genealogical link claimed. The park, built in an English garden in the 19th century, completes this heritage complex.

The castle is part of a territory marked by the history of Lorrain and Vosges, close to other notable sites such as the Maurice-Lemaire tunnel or the Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges. It shows both the persistence of a local aristocracy and the influence of 19th century artistic currents, mixing medieval heritage and romantic aesthetics.

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