Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Rosay, built between 1610 and 1620 by the family of poet Benserade, is a typical example of Louis XIII architecture, with its pink brick chains and blue slate roofs. It consists of a central body of seven spans (1611) and two wings added in 1619. The estate, initially a vast Norman fief inherited from Rollon, was acquired in the 17th century by Nicolas de Frémont, adviser to the Parliament of Rouen. Louis XIV erected the land of Rosay as a marquisate in 1680 for him.

In the 18th century, the Marquis de Rosay built a landscaped park around the castle, which escaped destruction during the Revolution thanks to the reputation of its owner as a moatman. The 19th century marked its cultural climax under Apollonie de Valon, wife of the MP Louis Alexis de Valon: their literary salon welcomed major figures of romanticism such as Gustave Flaubert, Prosper Mérimée, Guy de Maupassant and Théophile Gautier. The castle, sold in 1938 by the Viscount René de Valon (last heir without descendants), was then fragmented and restored from 1969 by Me Castellane, who opened it to the public.

Since 2005, Rosay Castle has been dedicated to organizing fairs, trade fairs and congresses. Joined historic monuments since 31 January 1938, it combines a preserved architectural heritage with a dynamic contemporary vocation. Its history reflects the social and cultural transformations of Normandy, from the wars of Religion to the industrial era, to the golden age of literary fairs.

External links