But what if these walls could talk? The Ancien château de Vaujours, currently École Fénelon, holds centuries of stories within its stones. This is more than just a school. It is a journey through time.
The Ancien château de Vaujours was first noted in records back in 1583. Claude Chastillon depicted it in the mid-17th century. His drawing shows buildings around a courtyard. The courtyard was enclosed by a curtain wall with corner towers.
Around 1770, Jean-Philippe de Maistre demolished the old château. He replaced it with a neoclassical building. This new structure featured a central section with a curved pediment. Two pavilions flanked it.
Inside the Ancien château de Vaujours, the decoration is in the Louis XVI style. The ground floor has a vestibule with Tuscan columns. Bas-reliefs adorn two rooms. They celebrate bacchanals and the four seasons. A grand staircase leads to the upper floor. Tradition says hidden frescoes lie under the whitewash on the walls. Their themes are said to be quite light.
The Maistre family owned the Ancien château de Vaujours until 1839. Then, the Lycée Fénelon took over. The school has expanded. But the building remains an exemplary example of 18th-century architecture.
Of the original seigneurial building, only a large tithe barn remains. It is the oldest structure at Vaujours. The Ancien château de Vaujours has seen many changes. Yet it stands as a testament to French history and architecture.
During Heritage Days, the city opens the Ancien château de Vaujours for tours. Visitors can explore the vestibule. They can admire the wrought-iron banister on the staircase. The facades, roofs, salon, and dining room are also highlights. Their décor is protected as part of France’s historical heritage.
Imagine Louis XI visiting his sister Jeanne here. She was the wife of Antoine de Bueil. Jeanne was also the daughter of Charles VII and Agnès Sorel. Picture Jean V de Bueil transforming the château into an impregnable fortress. He used his experience from the Hundred Years’ War. Louis XIV even made it a Duchy-Peerage for his mistress. Though she never set foot here.
Today, the Ancien château de Vaujours continues its legacy as École Fénelon. It educates the youth. Its walls echo with the laughter and learning of students. This blend of history and education makes it unique.
So, as you stand before the Ancien château de Vaujours, consider its past. From fortress to neoclassical manor to school. It has adapted and thrived. Its story is etched in every stone. This is a place where history comes alive. It inspires future generations.