Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Bôve derives its name from the underground quarries (boves) on which it was probably built as early as the 13th century. Cited in 1259 and ruined in 1430 during the Hundred Years' War, the estate fell into disinherence before being bought in 1719 by Gaspard Hyacinthe of Caze. He had the castle rebuilt between 1725 and 1730, marking its architectural climax in the 18th century.

In 1753 the castle was acquired by Françoise de Chalus, duchess of Narbonne-Lara and mistress of Louis XV. The Way of the Lady, which leads to the estate, was emptied between 1776 and 1789 at the request of the king's daughters, Adelaide and Victoire, who frequently went there to visit their friend. This path later became a tragic symbol during World War I.

Destroyed in 1917 during the Battle of the Way of the Lady – then serving as German command post – the castle was rebuilt between 1925 and 1933 in an 18th-century style. Its facades, vestibule, circular living room, chapel, park and remains of the old castle have been listed as historical monuments since 2022. The then owner, Henri Rillart de Verneuil, had himself guided the French artillery to bomb the building occupied by the enemy.

The estate thus illustrates a unique historical stratigraphy, mixing medieval heritage, 18th century royal fascists, and memory of the conflicts of the 20th century. Its current architecture, although rebuilt, perpetuates the memory of the places and their notable occupants, from the Dukes to the soldiers.

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