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Origin and history

The Ferme de la Souaberie, located in Montbéliard in the Doubs, was built between 1592 and 1602 by order of Prince Frédéric I of Württemberg. This state building, partly designed by architect Heinrich Schickhardt, was originally used as a cow-house run by Swabian bouviers, hence its name. It symbolizes the cultural and economic exchanges between Württemberg and Franche-Comté during the Renaissance.

In 1731 Eberhard-Louis de Württemberg ceded the farm to the town of Montbéliard to set up a college called "Gymnase". The latter replaces the old Latin school, which has become old, and welcomes exclusively boys from Montbéliard. Between 1733 and 1794 the school trained students, including naturalist Georges Cuvier (1780-1784), before temporarily closing during the Revolution.

The building underwent several changes: in 1833 blind arcades were added, and in 1873 a part was demolished to expand the premises under the direction of architect Charles Surleau. After working as a college until 1873, the site was partially destroyed after World War II. Only the street building remains today, with its facade and roof inscribed in historic monuments since 1989.

Architecturally, the Souaberie is distinguished by its viorbe tower (sliding staircase) and its blind arcades, characteristic of the buildings of the region. At the time of the Gymnase, it housed classes on two levels and a library, reflecting its major educational role. The site thus illustrates the evolution of an agricultural building into a school institution, marking the local history.

The sources mention discrepancies in the exact dates of construction and Schickhardt's contributions, but agree on its heritage importance. La Ferme de la Souaberie remains a rare example of a Renaissance model farm, linked to the urbanization of Montbéliard under the influence of the princes of Württemberg.

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