Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Favorite, also called Petit château du Prince Charles, was built in Lunéville in the first half of the 18th century. Commanded by Duke Léopold I of Lorraine for his son Charles-Alexandre (1712-1780), his construction began after 1730, at the death of Léopold I, and ended in 1734. The plans are attributed to architect Germain Boffrand, and the works are led by Jean Marchal. This pleasure castle, located a few meters from the castle of Lunaville, reflects the fascist of the Lorrain courtyard of the time.

Charles-Alexandre, exiled to Vienna after the annexation of the duchy by France in 1736, retained the property of the castle until his death in 1780, although he did not live there. Stanislas Leszczynski, Duke of Lorraine from 1737 to 1766, occasionally used to house his favourites. Upon the death of Charles Alexander, the castle was inherited by Emperor Joseph II, who sold it to a notable courtman. The major changes took place in the 19th century: a new facade on the city side was added, and the attic was rearranged, while the facade on the garden side, originally, remained unchanged.

In the 20th century, the town of Lunéville became the owner of the castle before reselling it in 1999. Although partially listed as historical monuments since 1984, and in 1992 entirely, its condition deteriorated sharply in the 21st century. In 2011, it was completely classified, but in 2022 it was close to ruin, with pierced roofs, damaged decors and a lost garden. Its last owner was convicted in 2020 for financial offences related to its management.

Architecturally, the castle has two contrasting facades: that of the east, on the garden side, retains its original 18th century appearance, with a central body and two symmetrical wings. The west side, on the city side, was doubled in the 19th century, adding a central forebody and an additional floor. Inside, the oval living room, decorated with stuccos and medallions representing Roman emperors and the princely monogram, bears witness to the refinement of the period. The vestibule also bears the figure of Charles-Alexandre inlaid in the ground.

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