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Origin and history

Sandaucourt Castle, located in the Vosges department in the Grand Est region, was probably built by Aloff de Beauvau or his half-brother Claude, seigneur of Sandaucourt from 1549 to 1553. Upon Claude's death in 1553, the castle was divided between his two sons-in-law, Claude de Reinach and Jean de Damascus, who remained in division until 1715. This particular status allowed him to be spared during the Thirty Years' War, thanks to the loyalty of the Fulligny-Damas to King Louis XIII of France, unlike the family of Haraucourt, faithful to the Duke of Lorraine.

In 1672 the Cardinal of Retz visited the castle for the baptism of his goddaughter, Jean-François Paul de Fulligny-Damas, son of one of the coseigneurs. The castle changed hands several times in the 18th century, passing among those of the Spanish Marquis of Amenzuaga of Riscal d'Alegre, then of the Farmer General of Lorraine Sigisbert Richard, before being acquired by François de Saint-Ligier. The latter modernises the building by filling the moat, expanding the windows and adding decorative elements such as a porch and balcony.

In the 18th century, the castle was occupied by Agnès de Bry d By inheritance, it was then the Scitivaux of Greische, the last noble owners. In the 20th century, the castle became a cheese factory in 1931, then a home for immigrants in 1969. Rached in 1976 by Dr Kirsch, it was restored and partially classified as a historical monument in 1980. Today, it is open to the public and houses a collection of Panhard vehicles.

The castle combines defensive features (four round towers, firemouths) and comfort elements (large windows, ironwork balcony). Its cellars, its oratory, its column hall (old chapel) and its park, where Marthe-Odile Lersy, an ancient chestnut, rests, are accessible during summer tours and Heritage Days. The outbuildings also house the remains of a circular dovecote.

Its history reflects the political tensions between Lorraine and France, as well as the architectural and social transformations of the French castles from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The restoration undertaken since 1976 has preserved its woodwork, large staircase and interior decorations, while adapting the site to modern uses.

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