Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Germain-Beaupré, located in the Creuse in New Aquitaine, was built in the 16th century on the remains of a 12th century fortress for Gabriel Foucault, local lord. Its pentagonal architecture, with circular towers and moat, reflects its defensive origin. The brick and stone entrance gate, added in the 17th century, bears witness to subsequent restorations.

On the night of 24-25 October 1605, the castle welcomed Henry IV and his 60-person suite, marking a royal episode in his history. In 1652 the Grand Mademoiselle, cousin of Louis XIV and figure of the Fronde, was exiled there by order of the king. These events highlight its political role and prestige in the modern era.

In the 18th century, the castle changed hands several times: ceded in 1768 by Anne-Françoise Foucault to the Marquis de Persian, then acquired before 1789 by Jean-Baptiste Martin-Ducouret, whose family kept it until 1840. This period also saw the dispersion of his art collection in 1843, after its sale to the Count of Villemote.

The 19th and 20th centuries are marked by major transformations. In 1854, Count Honorati built a park in English, while Mr. Berthomier, owner from 1860, partially restored the building and dried up the moat. Ranked a historic monument in 1946, the castle remains a private property, put up for sale in 2016.

Today's architecture preserves a 16th century house body, three corner towers, and a vaulted staircase classified in 1941. The brick mâchicoulis, moats and the classic 17th century portal illustrate its stylistic evolution. The painted panels and orangery, added later, complete this rich and preserved heritage.

The successive excavations and restorations revealed medieval foundations and Renaissance elements, such as the coat of arms of Gabriel Foucault and his wife on the arch keys. Despite the demolitions of the 19th century, the castle remains an exceptional testimony to the architectural and political history of Limousin.

External links