Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Montmort, located in Montmort-Lucy in the Marne, is a private property dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally a medieval fortress, it was inhabited by lords like Germond de Montmort, mentioned in a charter of the Counts of Champagne in 1042. The Fay family, then Hangest family, became owners, with Louis de Hangest marrying Jeanne d'Athies in 1499. The estate then passed to their son Joachin de Hangest, whose daughter Jeanne de Hangest, married to Claude d'Aguerre, was the instigator of the reconstruction of the castle, completed in 1577, while maintaining its feudal aspect.

In the 17th century, the castle entered the house of Créquy by Christian Awar, then was passed on to illustrious families such as the Bethune Sully and the Villeroy. In 1704 Pierre Remond, mathematician and son of Farmer General, acquired it. His descendants, the Marquis de Montmort, occupied the castle until the 19th century, before the Crombez family of Montmort, of Belgian origin, lived there until 2022. The castle, damaged by the wars and the Revolution, was restored several times, especially at the beginning of the 20th century by Raymond Crombez de Montmort.

Architecturally, the Château de Montmort is distinguished by its structure in three superimposed ensembles, mixing elements from the 12th century with Renaissance additions. The lower courtyard, surrounded by ramparts and towers remodeled in the 15th and 16th centuries, houses a quadrilateral shirt flanked by bastion towers, an Italian military innovation of the 16th century. The central, Renaissance-style brick house preserves medieval elements such as ogival vaults and a ironed wooden entrance door, masterpiece of the era. The park, accessible by a three arched bridge, completes this remarkable ensemble, witness to the history of Champagne.

Victor Hugo described the castle as "a lovely tohu-bohu of turrets, girrouettes, gables, skylights and fireplaces", highlighting its picturesque charm. Although privately owned and closed to the public, the Château de Montmort remains a symbol of the region's historical heritage, having survived the wars, revolutions and occupations, especially during the First and Second World Wars, where it was partially destroyed. His successive restorations have made him a "miracle" among the monuments of Champagne.

External links