The renaissance of a small Versailles in Lorraine, at the heart of Lunéville

Belles Demeures 02 Nov 2018
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The small Versailles of Lorraine, the Château of Lunéville is reborn from its ashes after a terrible fire. A model example of safeguarded patrimony.

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Renaissance du Versailles Lorrain, au cœur de Lunéville
Walk under the arcades of the château to discover the Cour des Communs, the statue of Général de Lasalle truly deserves a selfie. © DR
Sommaire

Total dismay during the night of 2 January 2003, in Lunéville! This town of the Meurthe-et-Moselle region, filled with history, underwent an eighth fire that partiallly destroyed the princely apartments, the roof of the South-West wing and the royal chapel, making part of the masonry collapse. Inestimable works were lost in the flames and the price for the restoration amounted to more than 100 million euros.

In Lunéville, the small Versailles of Lorraine

After the emotion, the determination and the mobilization of all enabled to bring back to life what was in the past the property of the Ducs de Lorraine since the 13th century, then owned by Louis XV and finally the extravagant King Stanislas of Poland. This medieval palace, reconstructed on the model of Versailles, was even at some point transformed into barracks for the needs of the French armies.

Château de Lunéville galleries A must-see, the portrait of King Stanislas is prominently displayed in the new galleries. © O. Brillouet
Château de Lunéville chapel  Carefully restored in keeping with 18th century know-how, today the chapel hosts concerts and cultural events. © DR

An ambitious renaissance with amazing results

The largest patrimonial construction site in Europe rapidly bore fruit. The vestibule regained its splendor of yesteryear, the Enlightment Century. Exhibitions now take place here and promenades in the Parc des Bosquets and the French-style gardens truly appeal to all those in love with nature. But the best way to encourage the renaissance of the château de Lunéville, is to come visit…

Château de Lunéville the French-style park Little by little, the Parc des Bosquets and the French-style gardens have come back to life, as when the Dukes of Lorraine were in charge. © DR

It's the story of a château that rewrites itself, in Lunéville…

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