The Château de Cordès, a historic architectural jewel of Auvergne and a testament to a rich historical past, has been sold through Renaud Valentin of Mercure Forbes Global Properties.

Perched at the end of a basalt flow near the Sioulet Valley in France’s Massif Central, within the heart of the Parc des Volcans, the Château de Cordès stands as a masterpiece of French heritage and a testament to centuries of history.

A Rich Historical Legacy

The story of Château de Cordès begins in the 13th century, when it was owned by the Chalus family. In 1659, Emmanuel d'Allègre purchased the estate, and his son, Yves de Tourzel, the marquis d'Allegre, transformed it into a refined residence. In 1695, Yves commissioned André Le Nôtre, the celebrated gardener of Louis XIV, to design the château’s remarkable gardens, establishing a legacy of elegance that endures today.

In 1755, the property passed to Pierre Grangier, a lawyer from Riom, who enhanced its interiors with intricate plasterwork in the Blue Room, crafted by Italian artisans. Grangier’s family retained ownership for four generations.

By 1933, the château, chapel, and gardens were designated as Historic Monuments by the French Ministry of Culture, safeguarding their preservation. The château even served as a filming location for the 1985 movie The Bride, starring Sting.

The Gardens: A Masterpiece by André Le Nôtre

Recognized as one of the Remarkable Gardens of France, the Château de Cordès gardens are a showcase of André Le Nôtre’s visionary talent. Situated at an altitude of 900 meters (2,950 feet), the gardens thrive with hornbeam and beech hedges, unique for their elevation.

The meticulously planned layout includes:

Avenue of Hornbeams: A nearly 5-meter-tall (16-foot) hornbeam-lined path leading to a half-moon-shaped courtyard of honor, featuring lawns, clipped yews, and serene ponds bordered by retaining walls with blind arches.

Symmetrical Terraces: Two identical rectangular gardens flank a central avenue, with paths radiating from a central basin, bordered by double rows of clipped boxwood.

Oval Green Room: To the southeast, a labyrinth of hornbeam hedges surrounds an oval green space with a central basin.

Vegetable Garden: To the northwest, a historic kitchen garden features a circular central basin.

Inside the Château

Spanning 795 m² (8,560 ft²), the château boasts 16 rooms, including 12 bedrooms, with soaring ceilings, carved woodwork, Versailles parquet flooring, and period fireplaces. Each detail reflects the craftsmanship of its era, while discreet renovations ensure modern comfort.

The estate’s grounds extend over 9 hectares (22 acres), encompassing French gardens, woods, ponds, meadows, fountains, and a stream. Additional structures include a renovated farmhouse, stables, garages, and a barn, further enhancing the property’s versatility.

A Carefully Orchestrated Sale

The recent sale of this iconic property was expertly managed by Renaud Valentin, a specialist with Mercure Forbes Global Properties. Known for his expertise in prestigious and historic estates, Valentin had previously sold the château in 2008. His ability to highlight the property’s unique charm and navigate the complexities of historic estate transactions attracted international buyers.

This time, the new owners—a retired American architect couple living in France—plan to modernize the château’s comfort and focus on expanding its remarkable gardens. Their passion for historic preservation ensures the estate will continue to be a symbol of French artistry and heritage.