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Key figures

Origin and history

The Château du Tertre, located in Ambrières-les-Vallées in the department of Mayenne, is a 19th century building. Designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, famous architect and inspector of diocesan buildings, it was created by his son-in-law, Maurice Ouradou. This castle, called a "country house", is distinguished by its strategic location near the river Varenne and its access axis 120° from it. Built in red brick and granite, it was originally designed for Auguste Griois, a rich annuitant and son of a Parisian notary, who acquired the estate in 1856.

Auguste Griois, owner of the premises, married Victoire-Frédérique Foccart in 1872, after taking under his protection his family, including his son Louis Koch-Foccart. The latter will inherit the castle and become mayor of Ambrières-les-Vallées. The castle, marked by a neat architecture with a vestibule supported by granite columns, was later modified by the addition of a turret, unbalanced its initial harmony.

In 1966, the castle was acquired by the Ministry of Justice and turned into a reformatory for boys. After a period of abandonment, it became a holiday home in 1980, managed by the Forget group, and was bought in 1991 by the English tourist group PGL. The Château du Tertre is also known as the birthplace of Jacques Foccart in 1913, a major political figure of the 20th century.

Viollet-le-Duc, during his visit to Laval in 1855, met Casimir Wicart and Auguste Griois, which led to the design of the castle. The estate, originally modest (9 acres and 20 centiares), was enlarged and transformed into an elegant residence, reflecting the architectural style of its time. The 1966 restoration, although necessary, partially altered the original balance of construction.

The Koch-Foccart family, linked to the castle for several generations, lived there until 1966. Guillaume Koch-Foccart, grandson of Auguste Griois, became a chestnut after selling his properties in Guadeloupe. Jacques Foccart, born in the castle, spent part of his childhood there before leaving for the West Indies with his family. The castle, after having served as a family residence, had various vocations before becoming a tourist place.

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