Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

La Grange Huguenet is a former urban barn located in Besançon, in the Montrapon-Fontaine-Écu district. Originally dating from the 13th century, it retained its general provisions of the 18th century, while undergoing major transformations in the 19th century. Originally intended for agricultural and wine-making activities, it was gradually built into an elegant residence, surrounded by a 4.5 hectare park with exceptional views of the city.

In the 18th century, the property belonged to Emmanuel Rochet, a bishop of Besançon, and then passed to his nephews, the Huguenet brothers (Claude Joseph, lawyer, and Joseph Xavier, doctor). In 1790 it was acquired by Jean François Munier, a wine trader, who developed wine-growing activities there. The most notable transformation took place in 1848, when architect Alphonse Delacroix, married to a Munier heiress, rearranged the premises into a country residence, while preserving the massive historical piles and charmilles. He introduced exotic species such as redwoods and catalpas, inspired by his work for the promenade Micaud.

The park, classified since 1937 for its artistic and picturesque character, was protected at the initiative of archaeologist Robert Demangel, then co-owner. Buildings, park, fence wall and gates were listed as historic monuments in 2000, due to their scarcity and exceptional conservation status. The barn thus illustrates the evolution of an agricultural building in a bourgeois resort, while preserving medieval elements and 19th century landscape developments.

At the end of the 19th century, part of the commons was transformed into a dwelling by A. Demangel. The house still retains elements of decoration and furniture designed by Delacroix, testifying to its architectural influence. The site, now protected, offers a unique example of an urban barn adapted to residential and landscape uses, while preserving its historical and agricultural heritage.

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