Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of La Grange-aux-Ormes, located in Marly near Metz, is a former seigneurial estate of the Messin country. Its origin dates back to 1187, when the nuns of Notre-Dame-aux-Champs and Saint-Symphorien de Metz laid their first stones. The site, initially strategic, was sold and bought several times by noble families, including the Counts of Bar, the Vry, or the Apremont. In 1436, he welcomed a woman claiming to be Jeanne d'Arc, recognized by his brothers, before being burned in 1444 by the Messins to prevent him from serving as a refuge for Charles VII's scavengers.

In the 16th century, the castle changed hands frequently: the Chauvrain, the Gronnaix, and then the chapter of the cathedral of Metz. In 1709 Bishop Coislin, bishop of Metz, made it his episcopal palace after acquiring it. The Saint-Hélier family transformed it in the 18th century, adding a chapel still in operation in 1768. The estate then passed to the Counts of Ourches, then to the Viscounts of Nettancourt, before being inherited by the family of Clermont-Tonnerre, who gave it to the Petit Séminaire de Montigny-lès-Metz.

In the 20th century, the castle became a farm under Hyacinthe Bogenez (1923-1963), producing cereals, milk and livestock. The adjacent woods were loted in the 1960s-1980s (Clos des Lilas, Clos des Acacias). Since 1991, its park has been home to a 27-hole golf course, designed by Philippe Gourdon, while its outbuildings host a restaurant and a clubhouse. The site today mixes historical heritage, leisure and events, like the International Open of the Mirabelle Gold.

A notable episode of her story remains the arrival in 1436 of Jeanne des Armoises, a woman claiming to be Jeanne d'Arc. Recognized by her brothers, she stayed with the Gournays, owners of the castle, before settling in Metz. The chroniclers of the time, like Jacomin Husson, remained divided on its authenticity, between belief and scepticism. This event illustrates the role of the estate as a gathering place for the Messina aristocracy.

Architecturally, the present castle dates from the early eighteenth century, replaced after centuries of transformation. It is located at the end of a long driveway, formerly surrounded by agricultural and seigneurial buildings. La Seille, which runs along the estate, reinforces its natural setting between Metz and the Frescaty plateau. Today, the golf and restaurant continue its local anchor, while preserving its medieval and classical heritage.

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