Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Ménil-Hubert-en-Exmes is an 18th century residence built around 1780 by a member of the family Le Palu, local lords. The architecture, typical of the reign of Louis XVI, is accompanied by a vast estate including a park of 80 hectares (or 1 hectare depending on the sources), an artificial lake, and hydraulic facilities such as the basin "the pear". The site reflects an autarchic state economy, with stables, sawmill, wash, and cartettery, mostly added in the 19th century.

In the 15th century, the seigneury already belonged to the family Le Palu. In 1800, the castle became a landmark for the Caulians augerons, before being acquired in 1823 by Augustin René Pinson de Valpinçon, a canvas merchant. The latter welcomed the painter Edgar Degas between 1859 and 1870 (or 30 years according to another source). Degas made portraits and a canvas depicting his room, located on the first floor, while his workshop, still visible, occupied a brick pavilion.

The estate, marked by successive owners, is put on sale in 2013 for 7 million euros. Its facades, roofs and hydraulics have been protected since 3 December 2010 as historical monuments. The site reflects both a preserved architectural heritage and a notable artistic link, thanks to the presence of Degas and Valpinçon.

Secondary elements, such as guardian's and manager's houses, or greenhouses, illustrate an autonomous economic organization. The park, redesigned under the Valpinçon, includes a futai and an old vegetable garden. Despite uncertainties about its exact size, its hydraulic network (basin, lake) and its factories make it a remarkable example of Normandy's 18th and 19th century rural estate.

External links