Logo Musée du Patrimoine

All French heritage classified by regions, departments and cities

  2. Patrimoine
  3. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
  4. Ardèche
  5. 07530 Genestelle

  6. Château de Craux

 Château de Craux à Genestelle en Ardèche

Patrimoine classé
Patrimoine défensif
Demeure seigneuriale
Château Médiéval et Renaissance
Ardèche

Château de Craux

    Rochegude
    07530 Genestelle
Château de Craux
Château de Craux
Château de Craux
Crédit photo : RIFFARD - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Moyen Âge central
Bas Moyen Âge
Renaissance
Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1200
1300
…
1900
2000
XIIe siècle
Initial construction
1944
Abandonment of the castle
1974
Film shoot *The Secret*
29 septembre 1981
Historical Monument
1994
Acquisition by the municipality
2002
Start of work
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Remaining parts of the castle and dependencies (Case H 720, 721): classification by decree of 29 September 1981

Key figures

Famille d’Ucel - Co-Teachers of Antraigues Initial owners in the 12th century.
Sauzet de Fabrias - Owners in the 18th century Last noble family resident.
Anne Rosalie Ernestine Madeleine de Sauzet de Fabrias - Last occupying Died in 1944, leading to abandonment.
Robert Enrico - Director Shot *The Secret* at the castle in 1974.

Origin and history

Craux Castle is an iconic building located in Genestelle, in the department of Ardèche, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Built 650 metres above sea level on an ancient volcano, it overlooks the Volane and Sandron valleys. Surrounded by meadows and a chestnut grove, its strategic location offers stunning views of the Ardèche Cevennes and the surrounding young volcanoes. Originally erected in the 12th century as a hunting relay for the family of Ucel, co-teachers of Antraigues, it has undergone profound transformations over the centuries, especially in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

In the 18th century, the castle passed into the hands of the Sauzet family of Fabrias. After the death of his last occupying man, Anne Rosalie Ernestine Madeleine de Sauzet de Fabrias in 1944, the monument was abandoned and rapidly deteriorated. It was only in 1994 that the municipality of Genestelle became its owner and, from 2002, undertook major restoration work. The houses and the frame are consolidated, a temporary steel roof is installed, and the towers are renovated. Work continues in 2011.

The château de Craux also marked popular culture by setting the film Le Secret de Robert Enrico in 1974, with renowned actors such as Jean-Louis Trintignant, Philippe Noiret and Marlène Jobert. Ranked a Historic Monument since 29 September 1981, it bears witness to a rich architectural and historical heritage, linked to local history and the Cevenol landscapes.

The geographical location of the castle, in Cévenne ardèche, reflects its past role of surveillance and prestige. Its altitude and panorama make it a remarkable site, both for its history and its natural setting. The restoration works aim to preserve this heritage, while allowing a tourist and cultural enhancement for the municipality and its visitors.

Future

In 1994, the town of Genestelle acquired the castle. The castle served as the setting in 1974 for Robert Enrico's film Le secret with Jean-Louis Trintignant, Philippe Noiret and Marlène Jobert.

External links

Page Wikipedia
Page Monumentum