Construction of the castle 1750-1764 (≈ 1757)
Creation *ex nihilo* by Pierre Michel-Gilles de Sallen
1770-1780
Mayor of Caen
Mayor of Caen 1770-1780 (≈ 1775)
Period when the sponsor was mayor
1880
Change of ownership
Change of ownership 1880 (≈ 1880)
Purchase by current family
1944
Destruction during the war
Destruction during the war 1944 (≈ 1944)
Damage to the Battle of Normandy
19 mai 2010
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 19 mai 2010 (≈ 2010)
Protection of facades, roofs and decorations
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The facades and roofs of the castle, as well as the staircase with its cage; the large living room and the small adjoining living room with its worn decor (woodworks and paintings); facades and roofs of the common building; the park with its fences and the water room (cad. B 40 to 44, 53, placed Château de Monts): inscription by order of 19 May 2010
Key figures
Pierre Michel-Gilles de Sallen - Sponsor and Mayor of Caen
Have the castle built (1750-1764)
Origin and history
The Château de Monts, located in Monts-en-Bessin in Calvados, is a typical 18th century residence built between 1750 and 1764. It reflects the social ascension of the little Norman nobility, embodied by its sponsor, Pierre Michel-Gilles de Sallen, mayor of Caen from 1770 to 1780. The building, designed ex nihilo, combines sobriety and elegance, with seven spans and a forebody, inspired by the principles of architect Jacques-François Blondel.
The edge of the castle was changed in the 19th century, replacing a forecourt with a pleasant garden. During the Battle of Normandy in 1944, the complex was destroyed. Despite this, it retains remarkable elements such as a wrought iron staircase, wooded lounges, and well-kept commons, although the French-style gardens originally planned were never realized.
Listed at the Historic Monuments on May 19, 2010, the castle protects its facades, roofs, interior decorations, commons, park and pond. Today he remains in the offspring of the family that was born in 1880, showing a rare heritage continuity. Its architecture and history make it an example of the Norman aristocratic residences of the Old Regime.
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