Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Château du Montet dominates the botanical garden of Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, Lorraine. Its history dates back to the sixth century, when the estate belonged to Lord Medoald, who had established a strong house there. This strategic site, transformed over the centuries, reflects an ancient occupation linked to local aristocracy.

In 1527, Duke Antoine de Lorraine gave the estate to his doctor, Jean Geoffroy, who built a Gothic-style home there. The bell tower of the chapel, dated 1600, marks this period of reconstruction. However, the building was destroyed during the French Revolution, erasing part of its medieval and reborn heritage.

A new neo-Gothic castle was erected in 1872 on the ruins of the previous one. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became the secondary residence of Alphonse Fould, master of forges and Lorraine industrialist, who renovated it deeply. He died there in 1913, sealing the castle's link with the industrial era.

Today, the castle belongs to the University of Lorraine and houses services dedicated to computer-assisted publishing. The main hall, renovated in 2007, and its occupation by the association HERMES (2004–2007) illustrate its adaptation to contemporary needs, between heritage and modernity.

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