In Champagne, within a vast forest in the heart of the Aube department, stands the Château de Vaux. This 18th-century masterpiece, designed by architect Germain Boffrand, who also created the Château de Lunéville and Haroué in Lorraine, has been reborn from its ashes since its recent acquisition in 2015.
1720
The Period of Glory
The history of the current château begins with the destruction of a feudal castle, traces of which can be found as far back as the 12th century, by the wealthy Troyes family of Jacques d'Aubeterre, Count of Jully. It was on these lands that he brought in the architect Germain Boffrand, a student of Mansart, to build a masterpiece. The colossal undertaking ruined him, and he died in this unfinished house, abandoned by the unpaid workers, in 1726. The château was then sold by his heirs to François Rémond, Marquis de Montmort, who completed the construction and lived there until the Revolution. Sold as a national asset, the château came into the possession of a certain Charles de Maupas under Napoleon III, a powerful organizer of the police and military forces of the Second Empire. His heirs resided there until the beginning of World War II, marking the start of its long decline.
The 20th Century
Desolation and Rescue
Stripped of its interiors and left exposed to the elements, it wasn't until 1970 that a heritage enthusiast purchased the property and renovated the outbuildings to establish a center for disabled young girls. In 1995, temporary metal sheets were installed to protect the main structure, limiting further deterioration. Philippe Vallery-Radot played a pivotal role in saving the château from collapse by ensuring it remained watertight, and installing immense wooden support structures that are still visible on the unrestored parts of the castle.
2015
The Passing of the Torch
In 2015, at the age of 22, Edouard Guyot purchased the château to give it a new lease on life. The ambition was grand: initiate and complete the total restoration of the castle through self-financing and with the support of the state. He began this endeavor by opening the outbuildings for event rentals, which provided funding for the initial restoration work and allowed the site to be opened to the public. In 2023, the château entered its final phase of exterior renovations: masonry was consolidated, timber frames were repaired, and the roof was restored. This phase will be completed in 2024, presenting visitors with a new facade faithful to its appearance in the late 18th century.
Soon, only the outbuildings will remain to be restored, and the entire interior will be recreated to bring the castle back to its 18th-century glory. As a true historical testament open to the public, the cultural aspect of this castle is undeniable. What is striking here is the invitation to engage with history through themed tours in the form of investigations, inviting visitors from all backgrounds to discover the peculiarities of life in a castle during that time. Visitors are invited to a wide range of cultural, festive, and popular events throughout the year. The castle acts as a unifying force, creating a strong social bond while ensuring the financing of its restoration through a robust and well-established economic model.
By examining the restoration work and its relationship with the environment, it becomes clear that great attention is given to the preservation of the surrounding forests and the sustainable utilization of local resources. The materials used are carefully chosen for their durability over the centuries and are sourced from nearby locations, such as the timber from Chaource, a nearby village.
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