Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château d'Usson, or Château des Égretales, is located southeast of Pons, in Charente-Maritime. Originally located in the commune of Echebrune, it was dismantled stone by stone in 1889 by its owner, William Augereau, who rebuilt it in 1890 on its present estate, near the valley of the Seugne. This move saved the building from a certain ruin, while integrating disparate architectural elements, such as a fireplace of the castle of Pons or the Regency woodwork of the castle of Rosny-sur-Seine.

The castle, of Renaissance style but reinterpreted according to the fantasies of its reconstructor, adopts a U-shaped plan, with a central house body housing a winter garden. Its facades, decorated with sculptures and frontons, contrast with heterogeneous elements such as a medieval porch or a blind tower surmounted by a lantern. The exteriors open onto a wooded park, now integrated with the fun experience of the site.

Since 1899, the castle has been listed as historic monuments for its heritage interest. However, since 1999, it has been home to the Château des Enigmes, a theme park offering 27 games of orientation and meaning, renewed every four years (past themes: Elves, Templars, Musketeers, pirates). The site also offers unusual accommodation in perched huts and spaces for private events, mixing heritage and entertainment.

The current operation highlights the historic rooms of the castle, such as the Orangerie, the dining room "François 1er" or the salon "Marquise de Pompadour", while adapting them to modern uses. The park, open all year round, attracts a family audience thanks to its mix of history and interactive activities, while preserving partially the architectural authenticity of the place.

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