A grand estate unfolds before you. This is the Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard. Its history whispers through the centuries.
The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard stands proudly. It has witnessed centuries of history. Originally a humble inn it was transformed. Sébastien de Laurens bought it in 1619. He was treasurer of the principality of Orange. His son Philippe Guillaume de Laurens inherited it. The Emperor Ferdinand III made him Baron du Saint Empire.
Construction began in 1612. François Dupoux a royal advisor commissioned its building. It replaced the ruins of Montfaucon. This grim name was replaced with Beauregard. King Louis XIII ordered the change. The village also changed its name to Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard.
The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard changed hands many times. François Garnier an esquire bought it in 1638. Charles Doullet de Neufville and Gabriel de Méhérenc de Saint Pierre followed. Pierre de La Mouche a royal advisor owned it in 1669.
A hundred years later Laurent Charron a Receiver General of the Domains and Forests bought it. His widow Françoise Matagon kept it as a country house. She died in 1768. Her son Laurent died the following year. It then passed to Françoise-Mélanie Charron. She married Victor-Amédée d’Auberjon Comte de Murinais.
The Biliotti family gave the château its present appearance. Joseph Joachim Marquis of Biliotti bought it in 1763. Its central body with side wings and turrets is Renaissance-inspired. Their emblem two lions is above the wrought-iron gates. A splendid avenue of plane trees leads to it. Napoleon I’s reign saw their planting. French plane trees symbolise socialising and spending time with loved ones. They are known as the King of all trees.
The Marquis de Biliotti hosted annual St-Marc celebrations. St Marc is the patron saint of winemakers. A procession brought the golden statue of St-Marc to the Cour d’honneur chapel. It then went to a stone shrine still in the grounds. Homemade bread cakes and other treats were served. There was plenty of entertainment for everyone.
The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard’s story continues. It is a testament to history and resilience. It stands as a symbol of France’s rich past. Imagine the events that unfolded within its walls. The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard is a true treasure. It remains a captivating example of French architecture and history.