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Origin and history

The château du Vert-Bois, located in Bondues in the department of the North, came into being in 1602 with the marriage of André de Fourmestraux de Wazières and Jeanne Deliot. Their son, Jean-André, built the first castle in 1660 after marrying Marie de Kessel, daughter of the builder of the Wattignies castle. The current exterior buildings (concierge and dovecote) date back to that time. This estate, transmitted by inheritance, remained in the Wazières family until the mid-19th century.

In 1743, Jean-André's grandson, also named Jean-André, erected the main building in French classical style, surrounded by moats and four pavilions (Pavillon de Flore, Chapelle, Chinese Pavilions). This castle, typical of the follies of the time, becomes a symbol of prestige for the family. The property remained in the hands of the descendants until 1876, despite financial and family difficulties marked by early death and guardianship.

In the 19th century, the family of Wazières suffered a successional crisis. In 1853, Count Louis de Wazières (CL1) died, leaving the castle to his son, Count Louis de Wazières (CL2), who died three years later. His two young sons, Gaston (9 years old) and Camille (7 years old), were orphans and placed under guardianship in 1861. Their guardian authorized Louis Duchochois, a former confessor, to rent the estate. Gaston, who was a major in 1869, was heavily indebted to farmer Eugene Devemy by playing his legacy.

In 1876, forced by its debts, Gaston de Wazières sold the castle and its 60 hectares to Eugène Devemy, farmer and creditor. Three years later, Devemy married her daughter Martha to Albert Félix Prouvost, son of the great lainier industrialist Amédée Prouvost, thus integrating the estate into an industrial dynasty. From 1939 to 1945, the castle was restored to a family residence, a role it still retains today under the property of Prouvost descendants.

The château du Vert-Bois has been listed as a historical monument since 17 December 1962. Its park, decorated with sculptures by artists such as Jean de Bologna or Eugene Dodeigne, and its interior rich in 18th century collections (paintings, furniture, goldsmith's) make it a major architectural and artistic testimony of the Hauts-de-France. The estate also houses an artisanal village and restaurants, perpetuating its local anchor.

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