Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Condé Castle, located in Condé-en-Brie (Aisne), has its origins in the 12th century with the construction of a first building by Enguerrand III de Coucy. The site, occupied since Antiquity, preserves Gallo-Roman remains and medieval foundations, including two-metre thick walls. In the 15th century, the seigneury passed to the Bourbons through the marriage of Marie de Luxembourg with François de Bourbon, Count of Vendôme. The cardinal of Bourbon-Vendôme then transformed the castle into a Renaissance hunting residence, of which he now remains two thirds.

In the 17th century, the castle became the cradle of the house of Condé, illustrated by Louis de Bourbon, the first prince of Condé, who spent part of his childhood there. After successive alliances with the Savoys, the estate was confiscated by Louis XIV in 1711 in retaliation for the military defeats of Prince Eugene. In 1719 Jean-François Leriget de La Faye, diplomat and patron, acquired the castle and entrusted its renovation to architect Servandoni, who gave it its present appearance with interior decorations signed Watteau, Oudry and Lancret.

The castle suffered heavy damage during the two world wars, notably in 1914 during the Battle of the Marne, and in 1940-1945 under German occupation. Restored from 1946 by the Sade family, then by the current owners since 1983, it is classified as Historic Monument in 1979. Its major attractions include the Watteau wing, the Richelieu room and the Oudry-decorated living room, which bear witness to its rich artistic and political past.

The domain, still inhabited, offers visits highlighting its frescoes, private apartments and gardens. It also hosts cultural events, such as concerts, exhibitions and filming, thus perpetuating its role as a place of artistic influence. The successive restorations allowed to preserve its unique decorations, including trompe-l'oeil and mythological canvases inspired by the Farnese Palace.

Among the notable characters related to the castle are La Fontaine, Richelieu, and Olympe, known for its mysterious "powders". The Marquis de La Faye, a discreet collector, gathers works of 18th century masters, while the Bourbon-Condé and the Savoys make it a symbol of their power. Today, the castle combines historical heritage and private life, offering a journey through centuries of French history.

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