A place steeped in history
From family home to war witness
Built in 1897 by Gustave Avice, Forêterie Castle has long been a lively family home, welcoming several generations as well as renowned artists such as painter Cormon and engraver Le Couteux. Its interiors, once elegant, vibrated to the rhythm of its occupants' creative daily lives.
During the Second World War, the castle was requisitioned by German troops. Their departure in 1944 marked a brutal turning point: an arson attack completely destroyed the building. The disfigured residence was abandoned for almost 70 years, buried under vegetation but never forgotten by the locals, who nicknamed it the "Burnt Castle".
A heritage frozen in time
Despite its condition, the castle retains a strong presence in the local imagination. Period photographic archives bear witness to what it once was, reinforcing the desire to see it reborn one day. Time passes, but the memory persists, like a silent expectation.
A renaissance guided by a family vision
François Avice's ambitious project
In 2015, François Avice, the builder's great-grandson, decided to bring this dormant heritage back to life. Aware of the scale of the challenge, he embarked on a bold project to restore the castle while respecting its original history and soul.
Thanks to the support of the Fondation du Patrimoine and the local authorities, the first works have made it possible to put the building "out of water, out of air". This marks the real relaunch of the project, and paves the way for a gradual and lasting reconstruction.
A castle back in its place
As the restoration work progresses, the caslte is once again becoming a living space. Cultural and associative events are organized in the park, allowing the public to rediscover its history and beauty. Forêterie Castle is once again part of the local landscape, forging a strong link with the town of Allonnes and its inhabitants.
An exceptional event space
Weddings, seminars and unique moments
The renaissance of the castle has been accompanied by a new vocation: to become an exceptional venue for events. Today, the castle's renovated, modular and luminous rooms are ideal for weddings, seminars, meetings, cocktails and a wide variety of other celebrations.
The park and terraces provide the ideal natural backdrop for secular ceremonies, receptions or outdoor activities. The balance between heritage and modernity makes it possible to imagine all kinds of tailor-made experiences.
Integrated accommodation to extend the experience
The upper floors of the caslte house 19 rooms combining historic charm and contemporary comfort, including a 50 m² bridal suite. This accommodation capacity makes the estate perfectly suited to weddings and residential seminars.
A cultural future open to all
A lively place for sharing
Today, the castle has a clear project: to become a space for culture, encounters and transmission. Concerts, exhibitions, workshops and public events punctuate the year, often in collaboration with local partners.
More than just a restored monument, the Forêterie Castle is a place on the move, attached to its territory and driven by the desire to welcome, share and pass on.