Reims, Ardennes 51100

A listed castle, once belonging to the Joyeuse counts, in 7 ha of parklands 2 hours from Paris and Brussels in a region known as Argonne-Ardennaise. The geographic location of Grandpr castle, standing on a rocky spur, was already an advantage in medieval times. In a dominant position, looking out over the Argonne region towards the roads through the Champagne countryside, it was one of the border areas essential to the young kingdom of France. The county, divided since the Crusades, was gradually reunited until it fell into the hands of a powerful character, Louis-de-Joyeuse, chamberlain at the court of Louis Xii. Supporter of the Catholic League, his heir, Claude-de-Joyeuse, amassed spoils and fortune in the 17th century, thus enabling him to embellish the estate and leave his mark on the surrounding buildings: the church and other buildings necessary to the inhabitants of the county.Distinguishing themselves from many of their contemporaries, the Joyeuse counts made their mark through military careers (Marshals of France and Lieutenant-Generals of the king's armies) and followed Louis Xiv. It was during 1685 that major works were carried out (large appartements, stables, etc.) and financed courtesy of the titles and offices acquired by members of the Joyeuses family following their military successes during the Wars of Spanish Succession around 1700. Marriages arranged with the large families in the Champagne region did the rest. However, despite a well-founded land heritage, lineage strategies proved too fragile and the estate gradually became divided in the 18th century. Furthermore, the estate was little occupied prior to the fall of the monarchy in 1792. It was requisitioned by General-Dumouriez, a famous republican hero following the Valmy victory against the Austrians. He settled his general quarters there prior to it becoming a hospital set up for the revolutionary armies. Despite a token show of renovation under the First Empire and during the Restoration era, a lack of constant upkeep led to a fire that started in the gatehouse and the destruction of the castle in 1834. Only one pavilion was restored, it now forms the current castle.An outstanding collection of outbuildings align the street going up the hill. A monumental pavilion, in a central recess, provides access to the outbuilding courtyard.The castle and its parklands are then reached by passing under the semi-circular arched porchway of the gatehouse.