Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Villers-Campeau, located in Somain in the Northern Department, was originally located in the extinct town of Villers-Campeau, absorbed in 1947. This aristocratic estate, acquired in 1679 by an ancestor of the Rémy family, illustrates the architectural evolution of a rural residence, with a main building body dating back to the 18th century. Major transformations took place in the 19th century, notably in 1870 with the addition of a gallery decorated with statues of the Four Seasons and gypsum molds inspired by Canova.

The park and its facilities (Moorish Pavillon, column surmounted by a Mercure de Jean de Bologna, bridges, cooler) as well as the commons and the lower courtyard bear witness to its historical importance. A castral motte, a medieval vestige, was protected in 1978, while the entire estate was listed as a historical monument in 2016. The site also maintains a hydraulic network prior to the 17th century, highlighting its anchoring in the local landscape.

The central column, a cast copy of a work by Jean de Bologna (reputable Renaissance sculptor from Douai), and decorative elements such as statues or Moorish pavilion reflect the eclectic tastes of the owners. The castle, still linked to the Rémy de Campeau family, thus embodies centuries of architectural and landscape history in the Hauts-de-France.

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