Home > SOUTH / EAST > Castles / chateaux
Large listed citadel of medieval origin close to Briançon
in the Haute-Alpes
Location
Outstanding building in the Queyras National Park, one of the most visited in France, the full height of this monument to national heritage dominates the valley of a superb river. Between Briançon (50 km / 32 miles) and Gap (80 km / 50 miles), it owes its exceptional geographic site to its strategic position as in times past it prevented possible aggressors from the south and the west reaching Briançon.
Once a mighty symbol of royal power, it is now close to large ski areas such as Serre-Chevalier and Sestrieres in Italy. Easily accessible in both summer and winter, this majestic site is also but 2.5 hours from Aix-en-Provence.
Description
Situated on a vertiginous rocky peak with a surface area of approx. 4 ha (9.9 acres), the group of buildings spans a total floor surface area of approx. 2,000 m² (21,527 sq ft), including the castle, the main dominant building on the estate (450 m² / 4,844 sq ft), and the outbuildings (approx. 1500 m² / 16,145 sq ft).
This Delphinal castle, built in the 11th and 12th centuries, was subsequently subjected to the throes of religious wars, and resisted English protestant troops in the 16th century. In December 1692, the French architect, Vauban, decided to modify the site to ensure its continuity and to protect it from future assailants.
The 17th century was witness to the creation of barracks, gunpowder storerooms, a chapel and even a baker’s. The fortifications were further reinforced during the 19th century, leading to the construction of other new buildings in the 1920’s.
The site was disarmed from 1940 to 1944 and given over to civilian life as of 1967. It currently belongs to a family and has had French MH classification since 1948.
The castle is situated in the east half of the plateau. Its medieval origins give it a highly “classical” layout with its external protective wall enclosing an outer bailey in which there are numerous utility buildings and its inner protective wall encompassing the keep.
It is the most impressive of all the buildings and it dominates the fortress. Its windows look down over the valley, giving a 360° view and its numerous facades rule supreme over the citadel. Its structure is sound and its carcass associated with regular maintenance works has come down through the centuries with its authenticity intact.
The interior of the four storey castle has, in the main, been restored and has areas for receiving and showing around the numerous visitors which regularly explore this mecca to French history.
The outbuildings
The outbuildings which for the most part surround the castle are numerous and reflect the history of the citadel and its journey through the centuries. From artillery storerooms to guard pavilions, from the former mess to the military hospital, from the postern to the bastions, throughout the building are numerous areas, recesses and niches so there is always a hidden corner to explore. There are also many wall-walks, curtain walls, turrets and bastions, providing a taste of the citadel’s charms and mysteries.
Our opinion
To become the owner of such a fortress, is to offer oneself part of the history of France and to become the owners of historic buildings resembling this citadel which belonged to the king of France, is above all to take possession of exceptional sites and to have the privilege of manipulating their very essence. The sizes and coherent layout of the buildings, together with the numerous visitors that come every year to pay tribute to this French historic monument without any doubt confer on this property the vocation of a main residence whilst envisaging a harmonious development of the estate for other purposes.
3 000 000 €
Our fees are included in the stated sale price.
Reference 2436TB
| Land registry surface area | 37 959 m² / |
| Main building surface area | 450 m² / 4,844 sqft |
| Outbuilding surface area | 1500 m² / 16,145 sqft |
Regional representative
Thierry Besse +33 (0)6 19 67 16 80
NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.
