Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Espeyran is located on an estate whose history dates back to ancient times, with traces of occupation from the sixth century B.C.E. Archaeological excavations revealed an active commercial counter until the fourth century AD, linked to Mediterranean trade and potentially founded by the Greeks. This site could correspond to Rhodanousia, an ancient city mentioned in the texts but never located with certainty. The discoveries include ceramics, funeral steles and a Roman altar, attesting to a prosperous agglomeration.

In the Middle Ages, the estate belonged to the abbots of Saint-Gilles, as evidenced by a pontifical bubble of 1119. A summer residence was built there, but destroyed in 1195 by Raymond VI of Toulouse during a conflict with the Abbey. The abbots retained the management of the woods of Espeyran until the Revolution. The site remains a territory organised around a church dedicated to Saint Felix, reflecting its religious and economic importance.

In 1791, the estate was acquired by the Sabatier family, from Montpellieran bankers, who turned it into a farm and a resort. Frédéric Sabatier d'Espeyran, a horse enthusiast, built stables, racetrack and ride in the 19th century. His son Guillaume adds one floor to the castle and two towers, redefining his current appearance. The estate becomes a symbol of prestige, decorated by local artists like Numa Boucoiran.

In the 20th century, the castle was donated to the National Archives in 1963 by Guy Sabatier of Espeyran to install the National Centre for Microfilm and Digitization. Joined the Historic Monuments in 2009 and labeled Maison des Illustres in 2013, it now combines heritage preservation and archival missions. The site remains open to the public during Heritage Days.

The present architecture, dated from the late 19th century, is the work of Charles Perrier. The castle retains its original interior decorations, including a Louis XVI lounge decorated with paintings by Eugene Devéria. The park, the archeological reserve of the Argentière and the historical stables complete this classified estate, witness of 27 centuries of history between Camargue and Costières.

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