Château de Courcelles, a 1713 residence and its park in Montigny-lès-Metz
On the outskirts of Metz, in Montigny-lès-Metz, this château was built in 1713 by Charles Joseph de Courcelles. The château and the central part of its park are a classified site.
History
The château first appears in 1716, on Nicolas Duchêne's plan, as the property of Monsieur de Courcelles. His daughter Barbe later inherited it. The side sections of the park are a registered site, under a 1950 order.
From a royal counsellor to the town of Montigny
Charles Joseph de Courcelles, who built the house in 1713, is described as a counsellor and secretary to the king. According to La Gazette France, it then passed through several local noble families. The town acquired it in 1949, and the same article lists the uses that followed: a reconstruction cooperative, a nursery school and an architects' office. The building deteriorated until restoration began in 2003 under architects Christian François and Patricia Henrion. Mayor Jean-Luc Bohl opened the renovated château on 26 May 2005, with a first exhibition devoted to Montigny's artists.
Nine bays under slate, and rooms for local life
From outside, the château is easy to read: two levels of tall windows across nine bays, dormers and a slate roof. The tourist office regards it as the only large civil building of its kind in Montigny. Inside, the Charles-Joseph, Pierre-Charles, Victor, d'Été and Émilie-Sophie rooms host exhibitions, concerts, meetings and family gatherings. The scale stays modest: the Salon d'Été measures 51 square metres, and the official site caps the château's capacity at 50 people. Come for a quiet visit rather than for grand interiors.
The park: century-old avenue, water feature and sculpture groups
The park, shared with the Espace Europa, covers about 2.5 hectares. An avenue of century-old horse chestnuts, limes and sycamores gives it structure, near a water feature, and two sculpture groups are worth a pause. One depicts the Moselle and Seille rivers, the other François de Guise facing Charles V, a reminder of the 1552 siege of Metz. Look for the view too: the estate sits on a plateau above the Moselle valley and faces Mont Saint-Quentin. The château is also rented for private events, so check the programme if you are coming to see the inside.
Practical information
Address: 73 rue de Pont-à-Mousson, 57950 Montigny-lès-Metz
Frequently asked questions
Where is it?
In Montigny-lès-Metz, a municipality next to Metz.
Can you visit the Château de Courcelles?
Yes, during its temporary exhibitions, free according to the tourist office and usually held at weekends; guided tours must be booked. The public park is open to walk through. Check dates on the Espace Europa-Courcelles website.
Where should you stay to see Courcelles and Metz?
The château is in Montigny-lès-Metz, and the Imperial district, near the station, makes a handy base on this side. The centre around the cathedral lets you see Metz on foot. Staylaro's “Se loger à Metz” guide helps you compare and look for accommodation.
How do you reach the site?
On foot, enter from rue de Pont-à-Mousson or rue Meurisse. By car, the official site directs you to the rue Meurisse car park. The address to use is 73 rue de Pont-à-Mousson, Montigny-lès-Metz.
Wikimedia Commons — Tehkni
