Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château d'Ételan, built between 1494 and 1515 by Louis Picard on the ruins of an ancient castle razed under Louis XI, embodies the flamboyant Gothic architecture of the first Norman Renaissance. His history began in 1383, as evidenced by a marble plaque distant from his owners, including Guillaume Picard, the finance general of Louis XI, who acquired the estate in 1468. The site, strategically located on the right bank of the Seine, dominates the last loop of the river in the heart of the regional nature park of the Normandy Seine.

In 1563, the castle hosted a major event: Catherine de Medici, Regent, and the young king Charles IX stayed there after the takeover of Le Havre aux Anglais. It is here that the regent proclaims, on the advice of Michel de L'Hospital, the anticipated majority of Charles IX, sealing "letters of majority" dated August 4, 1563. The estate, owned by the Brissac Marshals until 1621, then passed into the hands of influential families such as the d'Épinay de Saint-Luc, the Henaults (including Jean-François, Voltaire's friend), and the Belhommes de Glatigny.

The castle underwent major restorations in the 17th and 19th centuries, notably by the Deschamps de Boishébert family in 1868, then by the architect Simon for the chapel Sainte-Madeleine, jewel of the place with its stained glass windows, frescoes and polychrome statues. Ravaged by a fire in 1940 during the German occupation, he was occupied in 1943 to house children from Le Havre bombed. His restoration, begun in 1961 by Georges Petit and continued by Jacques Boudier from 1978, ended in 1994 for his 500th anniversary.

Ranked a historic monument in 1941, the castle combines limestone and brick, with a stairwell of the first Renaissance and wood-pan outbuildings. Its park houses three multi-centennial linden trees classified as "Remarkable Trees" in 2010. His illustrious guests include Louis XI, François I, Voltaire (in 1723-1724), and composer André Caplet, who completed his Mass there with three voices.

The chapel, dedicated to St.Madeleine and compared to those of Blois or Amboise, illustrates the influence of the cardinals of Amboise on the Norman Renaissance. It preserves a 16th century bentier, a 17th century swimming pool and troubadour woodwork. The estate, a classified natural site, today perpetuates its heritage through continuous visits and restorations, carried by private owners and associations such as the Friends of the Castle of Etelan.

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