Artillery School Foundation 1719 (≈ 1719)
Created by Louis XV in France.
1720-1732
Construction of the Old Quarter
Construction of the Old Quarter 1720-1732 (≈ 1726)
First phase of military buildings.
1767
Construction of new neighbourhood
Construction of new neighbourhood 1767 (≈ 1767)
Extension for artillery school.
1820
Purchase of the castle of La Fère
Purchase of the castle of La Fère 1820 (≈ 1820)
Acquired by the State for artillery.
1846
Construction of stables
Construction of stables 1846 (≈ 1846)
Added logistics infrastructure.
19 janvier 1994
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 19 janvier 1994 (≈ 1994)
Protection of facades and roofs.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs of the neighbourhood (old and new) (see AE 18): inscription by order of 19 January 1994
Key figures
Louis XV - King of France
Founded the artillery school in 1719.
Origin and history
Drouot is a military architectural complex located in La Fère, in the department of Aisne, in the Hauts-de-France region. Built between 1720 and 1732 for the "Vieux quartier", then completed in 1767 by the "Quarter Neuf", it was designed to accommodate the first artillery school in France, founded in 1719 under the reign of Louis XV. This site illustrates the strategic importance of La Fère in French military history, with buildings dedicated to the training of officers and infrastructures as stables added in 1846.
The district is closely linked to the castle of La Fère, acquired by the State in 1820 to install the artillery school. This castle, dating back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries, was transformed into houses for officers from 1903 onwards. The facades and roofs of the Drouot district (Old and Nine) were listed as historical monuments by decree of 19 January 1994, recognizing their heritage value and their role in the history of French artillery.
The establishment of this school is part of the modernization of the French army in the 18th century, marked by reforms aimed at professionalizing the military corps. The Fère, thanks to its geographical position and its castle, became a key place for the training of gunners, contributing to the tactical and technical innovation of the time. The stables, later built in 1846, testify to the evolution of the logistical requirements related to artillery.
Today, the Drouot district remains a symbol of French military heritage, with protected elements such as facades and roofs. Its history reflects the transformations of the army, from the beginnings of the school under Louis XV to its adaptation to the needs of the nineteenth century, including the reuse of the castle as a residence for officers.
