Since 1857
The château, the hotel…
A house born under the Second Empire, shaped by history, carried by a family.
The origins
A house of builders
The present château was built by Charles Henri de la Cour in 1857–1859. The de la Cour family counted among its members a general of engineers, Nicolas de la Cour, and a celebrated prior, Dom Didier de la Cour, born in 1550, the great reformer of the Benedictine order.
Set in the magnificent Meuse valley, the château survived two major wars — including the first, 1914–1918, which left its mark on the countryside around Verdun.
One hundred and seventy years of history
Key dates
Birth of Dom Didier de la Cour, great reformer of the Benedictine order — the family’s illustrious forebear.
Charles Henri de la Cour has the present château built, at the heart of the Meuse valley.
Requisitioned by the army, the château becomes an evacuation hospital — surgical ambulance no. 13.
Maurice Ravel, posted near Verdun, comes to play Chopin here.
The Thouvenin family acquires the château and saves it from the ravages of time, through a restoration faithful to its authentic state.
The château opens as a hotel and restaurant.
The château is listed on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments.
Creation of the large reception hall, for around 250 guests.
Installation of a lift.
The end of the second floor is extended to create a new room.
Creation of the spa.
1914–1918
A refuge in the Great War
Requisitioned on 25 June 1915 to serve as an evacuation hospital, the château witnessed history at close quarters. Every year, the commemorations draw visitors from around the world to the region, seeking to understand what trench warfare around Verdun meant — President Eisenhower’s son and grandson were among those invited.
For those wishing to learn more about this dark period, the château library holds a fine collection of documents.
“Maurice Ravel came here to play Chopin in April 1916. Let us indulge in the thought that, despite all that horror, he may have soaked up the place, the château and its magnificent park, before writing the famous Boléro a few years later!” The story behind the château
The park
A haven of peace
The château is surrounded by a magnificent park enclosed by fine old walls and planted with majestic trees, some of them classified as “remarkable trees”.
You can simply lose track of time, drifting through this haven of peace to the song of the many bird species that make their home here in the warmer months — and return the following year.
Explore the surroundings
Since 1985
A family home
Bought in 1985 by the Thouvenin family, the château was carefully restored, with particular care for the authentic state in which many of its features had fortunately been preserved.
Its 25 rooms — including 5 duplexes and 2 apartments — come in a variety of styles and price ranges: that is the charm of this historic building, listed on the supplementary inventory since 1996. A 4-star hotel run by the family itself: this personal involvement makes a stay more than pleasant, and is an essential part of hospitality.
Discover the rooms“We are here for everyone”
Couples, families, friends — but also car clubs from all over Europe, wedding receptions, seminars, shows, exhibitions, concerts… An intimate romantic dinner after an aperitif on the terrace: we offer a whole palette of possibilities, and you are most welcome!
The Thouvenin and Pierrat families