If you’re thinking of choosing the Chateau de la Cazine as your wedding venue in France, then get ready to be amazed by its incredible history! Our chateau has a particularly romantic past that’s just waiting for you to become a part of. Countless love stories have unfolded within its walls, and now it’s your turn to add yours to it. So, grab a cup of your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s take a journey through the remarkable history of the Chateau de la Cazine as we unveil never-before-seen photos that showcase the Chateau’s beauty in every era.
Medieval Origins
Before we tell you all about the Chateau de la Cazine, you may not already know that just a few hundred meters away on the grounds stands another far more ancient Chateau. Our “Chateau de la Fot” (soon to be a gorgeous spa, by the way!) is what’s known as a “Petite Chateau.” These little medieval castles were a common style in France and known for their compact and charming characteristics. With foundations that date all the way back in the 12th century and ties to the famous medieval Lestang Family, we can imagine the chateau and its surroundings exuding a rich history of the late medieval period, just as the region was transitioning into the Renaissance.
This little Chateau was built on the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, which is thought to explain the presence of a collection of iron crosses built throughout the grounds.
When you visit us, make sure you go and have a wander over to our magnificent Petit Chateau!
The Grand Chateau de la Cazine
But let’s shift our focus back to the Chateau de la Cazine and its incredible transformation into the beautiful wedding venue it is today. We’ll start from the beginning.
In 1890, Vicount Paul du Curel brought the Chateau de la Fot, and surrounding land and had a beautiful idea—a grand new home as a wedding gift like no other for his fiancée, Brigitte. He commissioned Parisian architects Louis Chauvet and Alfred Coulomb to design and build his Chateau de la Cazine. The inspiration for the design came from a chateau built in the style of Louis X further south that the Viscount had once visited. Fun fact: the same architects that designed Chateau de la Cazine went on to design the famous Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento in Buenos Aires, famous for being the beautiful chapel that Diego Maradona got married in.
The Layout
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a revival of the Baroque architectural style that had dominated 200 years before. This Neo-baroque style aimed to recreate all of the opulence and grandeur of the original Baroque Chateaus, like Versailles. These replicas typically followed the same symmetrical design and ornate features characteristic of the originals.
The rooms were designed with keen attention to detail featuring elaborate moldings, ceiling frescoes, ornamental fireplaces, and artwork.
Below the Chateau’s main floors, the basement served as a hub for various services. On the ground level, the layout , (though with some modifications) has retained its core structure. Our seminar room, for example, was at one point in time, the library (it’s layout with ornate cabinets still retained) and our grand dining room would have been the original lounge area. On the first floor, you would have found 7 expansive bedrooms.
Our bar area is the space that underwent the most significant transformation. It was converted from a Chapel by previous owners during the 1980s, yet the exquisite stained glass windows from that time still grace the space today. This very Chapel bore witness to its own wedding ceremony, as well – the union of the original owner’s granddaughter, Jean Marie, and her beloved, Marquis Armand de Vasselot of Reigne.
The Grounds
The grounds of the Chateau cover an impressive 220 acres and closely resemble their appearance from centuries ago. The rustic and untamed beauty of the grounds are what create a special charm that captivates our visitors. As you wander through, you’ll come across a small lake teeming with wildlife, while just beyond lies the impressive Grand Cazine lake which gives its name to the Chateau.
At the front of the chateau, is the original picturesque pond fed by a natural spring and still accentuated but its elegant water lilies, and at the back you’ll discover the majestic arboretum, thoughtfully planted by the original owner. This collection of trees consists of over 100 different species from all over the world, creating a romantic and scenic walking trail that’s simply breathtaking. If you have a chance to explore, follow the trail to discover the special “Silver Pond” which, hidden among the trees, was created to commemorate the 25th wedding anniversary of Armand and Jean Marie back in 1961. It’s magical!
The 2nd World War
During World War II, the region of Creuse emerged as a significant stronghold of the resistance movement, demonstrating its courage and determination. It was among the first regions to organise bands of resistance fighters, rallying together to resist the occupation. The town of La Souterraine itself was a pivotal hub, housing its own dedicated group of fighters. These brave individuals carried out acts of sabotage, targeting and disrupting crucial train lines that served as a lifeline for the occupiers.
Interestingly, local accounts highlight the unique role played by the Château de la Cazine during this time. While some other châteaux in the region fell under foreign control, the Château de la Cazine managed to evade occupation. It’s said that local residents ingeniously spread a rumor that the Grand Cazine Lakes surrounding the château were poisoned, deterring any attempt to seize control of the property. As a result, the château became a sanctuary, opening its doors to refugee Jewish children who sought shelter from persecution. Additionally, the château served as a military hospital, providing critical care and support to wounded soldiers during the war.
These fascinating stories highlight the bravery and resourcefulness of the local population and their efforts to protect their community and assist those in need during the dark days of World War II.
The Post-War Era to the 1980s
For the following four decades, the Château de la Cazine remained in the family, housing the Viscount, Viscountess, and their 11 children. They cherished the château and made lasting memories within its walls. In the 1980s, the property underwent a change of ownership when it was sold to a famous banking mogul.
The Chateau continued as a private residence until then President of France; François Mitterrand came to visit. Falling in love with the estate and recognizing its potential, President Mitterand allocated government funds to convert it into a hotel and summer education camp.
The surrounding outbuildings were converted and blossomed into a thriving community, boasting essential amenities such as a cinema room, schoolhouse, and accommodations. Throughout the 1990s, these facilities continued to serve the needs of residents and visitors, fostering a vibrant and self-sustaining environment.
Later on
The Chateau de la Cazine went through several changes of ownership during the late 90s and early 2000s, until it was finally left abandoned for a number of years. However, in 2010, a new chapter began for the Chateau as the current owners, driven by a remarkable vision, took on the challenge of restoring the estate to its former glory. With unwavering determination, they acquired the property with the dream of creating an extraordinary holiday resort and romantic wedding destination.
Fueled by the Chateau’s rich history and timeless beauty, they embarked on an ambitious restoration project that aimed to revive its grandeur and transform it into a haven where families could create unforgettable memories.
Their dedication to preserving its heritage while infusing it with modern comforts has resulted in a remarkable transformation that honours the past while embracing the future.
So, here are some of the photos we are thrilled to have dug up from the archives; we hope you enjoy seeing the transformation of the Chateau de la Cazine over the years.
