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Origin and history

The castle of Cons-la-Grandville, located in the eponymous village of Meurthe-et-Moselle (Great East), is an architectural testimony covering the 11th to 18th century. Built on a rocky promontory, it succeeds a medieval castle founded by Dudon de Cons, crusade companion of Godefroy de Bouillon. The foundations and low, massive and fortified parts (north and east), date back to this time, while the upper floors, pierced by wide windows and surmounted by d'ardoise roofs, were rebuilt from the Jaumont stone Renaissance.

The site passed to the Marquis de Pidancet before 1640, then to Lambertye's family by the marriage of Marguerite de Custine with Jean de Lambertye, governor of Longwy appointed by Louis XIII. The present owners descend directly, by women, from the lords of the place since the eleventh century. The present castle owes its Renaissance layout to Martin de Custine (mid-16th century), while the court of honor, organized in U with armorious pediment, reflects the classic 18th century style.

Successive changes (Thirty Years' War, world conflicts) marked the history of the castle, whose stables were damaged during the two world wars. The adjacent Benedictine priory, founded by Dudon de Cons, was rebuilt in 1760 by the architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez, however keeping 14th century Gothic frescoes in its crypt. The park, renovated in the 19th century in English, houses centuries-old trees. Partially listed as historical monuments since 1947 and then in 1987, the castle has been open to the public since 1984.

The north facade, rebuilt from 1572 for Martin de Custine, bears the engraved dates from 1572 to 1575, as well as traces of restorations (1688, 1730–1731). The west wing, destroyed in 1944, was later partially amputated. The initial defensive elements (round tower, eastern courtine) date from the 13th century, while the interiors mix ceilings with caissons, monumental chimneys (like the one adorned with the Loves of Pyramus and Thisbe), and panelled lounges.

The toponym Cons comes from the Latin cumba (valley), referring to the local geography crossed by the Chiers. La Grandville is a medieval village. The castle, symbol of seigneurial continuity, illustrates the architectural transitions between the Middle Ages, Renaissance and classical times, while reflecting the historical tumults of Lorraine, marked by wars and reconstructions.

Since 1984, the castle and its commons (18th-century grange, Thebaida decorated with cariatides) have been restored. The protections under the title of historical monuments cover facades, roofs, interior rooms (honour room, rooms of the Custine), as well as terraces, ditches and retaining walls. The site remains a rare example of stylistic synthesis, from novel to classic, in a preserved landscape.

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