Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Gard, France

Description

Nestled in an enchanting valley just 2 km west of Pont du Gard, the internationally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Château de Saint-Privat is accessed by means of a bucolic little track on the banks of the Gardon River which it overlooks. A journey back in time…

Built on the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa, the ensemble which features vestiges of a 12th century fort was successively a priory and then an abbey. As the Château de Saint-Privat it played a significant role in major episodes of the History of France. In 1629, it was here that Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu signed the “grace d’Alès” effectively putting to an end to the wars of religion.

Its architecture bears witness to significant redevelopments between the 15th and 18th centuries.

The estate, whose grounds until 1916 included the Pont du Gard, was acquired the same year by Jacques Rouché, director of the Paris Opera and subsequently the “Réunion des Musées nationaux” who undertook work to redevelop the gardens.

In 1922, Rouché commissioned his friend Georges Desvallières, one of the founders of the “Ateliers d'Art Sacré”, to decorate the little 18th century chapel. The oil paintings reflect the artist's vision of the sacrifice of the Great War.

A protected “Monument Historique”, the near 3,500 sqm ensemble is set in 410 hectares featuring a romantic park, an orangery and its nymphaeum, fountains, water features, the chapel, a former silkworm farm, a farmhouse, an old mill and moats.

The 1,676 sqm chateau features three reception rooms boasting 18th century panelling - the Salon des Echos, the Salle des Gardes and the Salon de la Paix. It also includes an immense dining room, a library and eight bedrooms. Significant further living space remains to be fitted as desired.

Created under the reign of Louis XIII, the gardens are divided into three distinct areas - the front park, planted with lime, mulberry and hackberry trees, the “romantic” park boasting magnificent 300-year-old trees and featuring the Neptune basin, and the French formal garden featuring “water buffets” and Italian rockeries.

A truly remarkable property steeped in history just 30 minutes from Avignon and Nîmes TGV stations.