Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Dourlers Castle, built in the 1st quarter of the 18th century and modified in the 19th century, is a historic monument inscribed for its art of gardens typical of this period. Located in the northern department, it is distinguished by its park and architecture, reflecting the stylistic influences of these periods. The site has been protected since 1992, covering the castle and its estate, with elements attributed to the owner Pierre Bady.

In the 1970s, industrialist Michel Mulleman (1919–2002), Scout Chef and Chevalier de France, acquired the castle. Passionate about Scout history, he founded in 1984 the Museum of Scouting, unique in its kind. The museum closed after his death in 2002, but its collections have since been managed by the association "Scoutism, Heritage & Collections", which he had chaired.

The castle, a private property, remains a major witness to the regional heritage, combining architectural history and memory. Its park, classified for its 19th century landscape, illustrates the evolution of gardens in France. Today, although the museum is closed, the site retains historical and cultural value, linked to both its aristocratic past and its role in preserving Scouting.

External links