Somewhere in the French countryside...
Montivert is a seigniory nestled in the north of Ardèche and has a history spanning over eight centuries. Its village, Saint-André-en-Vivarais, is also the birthplace of triple-starred chefs, Jacques and Régis Marcon, who are located just three kilometers away in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid (second best restaurant in the world).
Anchored to its rural territory rich in history and flavors, Montivert is a true atypical gem, rebuilt in 1850 to become the summer residence of the wealthy Lyon family Lacroix-Laval (who left in 1983). For the past decade, our association has been dedicated to the restoration of Montivert. Neglected for over 30 years, Montivert almost reached a point of no return in 2013.
Two million euros later, after major renovations across entire site, Montivert is today:
Anchored to its rural territory rich in history and flavors, Montivert is a true atypical gem, rebuilt in 1850 to become the summer residence of the wealthy Lyon family Lacroix-Laval (who left in 1983). For the past decade, our association has been dedicated to the restoration of Montivert. Neglected for over 30 years, Montivert almost reached a point of no return in 2013.
Two million euros later, after major renovations across entire site, Montivert is today:
- A castle refurnished and open to visitors from the cellar to the attic, all year round, with changing decorations from year to year according to the reconstitution and renovations.
- Up to 20,000 visitors per year after only 5 years of opening (rating 4.6/5 on Google Review)
- Musical evenings that brought together nearly 3,600 spectators one evening in 2018 (suspended by covid)
- Two registered trademarks ready to be developed around a multitude derivative products for an on-site store, an online store and few partner points of sale.
- A remarkable park (Historic Monument), cleared, rehabilitated and open to the public free of charge, hosting scout camps, family and tourist activities every summer.
- 2,500 square metres of vegetable garden cleared and ready to host an attractiveness project.
- More than 10,000 followers on our social networks.
- 173 volunteers for our events.
- Two employees to watch over this tourist site and animate it.
The economic spin-offs of Montivert benefit the entire region. In addition to the large number of tourists generated year-round in the heart of our rural territory, all the work carried out in Montivert benefits local artisans, businesses and suppliers.
However, much remains to be done as you will be able to see below, and our association, like many, has suffered from the closures forced by COVID. That's why today we need support to move forward much faster than the wear and tear of time.
By helping our association "Les amis du château de Montivert", you are making a difference in an entire rural environment. You also help us to spread stars in the eyes of thousands of young visitors for whom visits are completely free. We make them aware of the history, the identity of the territory, the know-how, the arts and crafts, solidarity and sharing, but also the prejudices about castles that are still too often a symbol of power and opulence even though they are so fragile today. During the visits, we also place particular emphasis on the involvement of companies and people like you, without whom this type of territorial wealth would no longer exist.
However, much remains to be done as you will be able to see below, and our association, like many, has suffered from the closures forced by COVID. That's why today we need support to move forward much faster than the wear and tear of time.
By helping our association "Les amis du château de Montivert", you are making a difference in an entire rural environment. You also help us to spread stars in the eyes of thousands of young visitors for whom visits are completely free. We make them aware of the history, the identity of the territory, the know-how, the arts and crafts, solidarity and sharing, but also the prejudices about castles that are still too often a symbol of power and opulence even though they are so fragile today. During the visits, we also place particular emphasis on the involvement of companies and people like you, without whom this type of territorial wealth would no longer exist.
Site composition...
Here is the park of the château.
The various places in need of major renovation work are numbered: 1. Castle 2. Manor house 3. Sheepfold 4. Vegetable garden 5. Wall to rebuild 6. Battlements/Ramparts 7. Pond 8. Walls to repair 9. Concierge's house The red arrows indicate the entrance grids. The castle, its outbuildings, its park and the entire place are protected "in its entirety without exception" as historical monuments. The singularity of the castle is to have been designed with the simplicity of use of a summer residence, while having a level of comfort, modernity and refinement totally unheard of for the time. |
Our projects in the four corners of the park... (requiring a total of 4.5 million euros)
1. On the Castle... (needs estimated at 1.4 million euros)
We must continue to perfect the interior decorations by restoring each of the 64 rooms to regain their original beauty. It requires major art restoration work on the 8 major rooms and 4 master bedrooms.
(680'000 euros)
Restoration of 4 stained-glass windows also classified as Historic Monuments.
(42'000 euros)
Restoration of facades according to traditional methods imposed by the government on historical monuments.
(375'000 euros)
Studded slate roofing of towers and turrets.
(256'000 euros)
Restoration of the murals in the chapel and some elements of decorative art sculptures.
(60'000 euros)
Continue to rebuild the castle's collections and archives, which were squandered in 1981.
(needs vary depending on the finds)
Continue to develop visits with several types of experiences (guided tours, night tours, Audio guide for a better quality of experience of self-guided tours during the European Heritage Days, etc.)
(needs funded from our operating budget)
Arrangements for a possible partial privatization/"high-end" events + for more public festivities in the cellars.
(needs funded from our operating budget)
We must continue to perfect the interior decorations by restoring each of the 64 rooms to regain their original beauty. It requires major art restoration work on the 8 major rooms and 4 master bedrooms.
(680'000 euros)
Restoration of 4 stained-glass windows also classified as Historic Monuments.
(42'000 euros)
Restoration of facades according to traditional methods imposed by the government on historical monuments.
(375'000 euros)
Studded slate roofing of towers and turrets.
(256'000 euros)
Restoration of the murals in the chapel and some elements of decorative art sculptures.
(60'000 euros)
Continue to rebuild the castle's collections and archives, which were squandered in 1981.
(needs vary depending on the finds)
Continue to develop visits with several types of experiences (guided tours, night tours, Audio guide for a better quality of experience of self-guided tours during the European Heritage Days, etc.)
(needs funded from our operating budget)
Arrangements for a possible partial privatization/"high-end" events + for more public festivities in the cellars.
(needs funded from our operating budget)
2. On the Régie... (estimated needs of 1.7 million euros)
Imposing house where those who managed the property all year round lived. Empty since 2014, it has only been partially restored. It is necessary to rework the car park and the main access to the site to set up in this building the reception office with a shop, a space for events/privatization, toilets and a structure of fixed and temporary exhibitions with a playful and digital approach to revitalize the entire site. It is necessary to redo the water, sanitation, heating and electricity systems. Restoration of the stables, a chimney and some heavier structural problems.
Imposing house where those who managed the property all year round lived. Empty since 2014, it has only been partially restored. It is necessary to rework the car park and the main access to the site to set up in this building the reception office with a shop, a space for events/privatization, toilets and a structure of fixed and temporary exhibitions with a playful and digital approach to revitalize the entire site. It is necessary to redo the water, sanitation, heating and electricity systems. Restoration of the stables, a chimney and some heavier structural problems.
3. On the Sheepfold... (estimated needs of 410,000 euros)
Rehabilitate this old dwelling of about 140 square meters called "la Bergerie" (the sheepfold) in order to install a family and quality tourist accommodation. Insulation/window frames/water/sewerage system/electricity/heating and fittings are required.
Rehabilitate this old dwelling of about 140 square meters called "la Bergerie" (the sheepfold) in order to install a family and quality tourist accommodation. Insulation/window frames/water/sewerage system/electricity/heating and fittings are required.
4. On the Vegetable Garden... (estimated needs of 40,000 euros)
Redesign the flower beds, the paths and the central pool. To put it back into cultivation, so that it is both beautiful to look at, pleasant to visit and useful for the realization of our future derivative products.
Redesign the flower beds, the paths and the central pool. To put it back into cultivation, so that it is both beautiful to look at, pleasant to visit and useful for the realization of our future derivative products.
5. On the wall to be rebuilt... (estimated needs at 83,000 euros)
It is necessary to proceed with the complete dismantling of the wall after the removal of its wrought iron grids.
Rework the floors on both sides of the wall to stabilize the area.
Rebuild the wall and restore its iron grids in accordance with the techniques imposed by the Ministry of Culture.
It is necessary to proceed with the complete dismantling of the wall after the removal of its wrought iron grids.
Rework the floors on both sides of the wall to stabilize the area.
Rebuild the wall and restore its iron grids in accordance with the techniques imposed by the Ministry of Culture.
6. On the Ramparts... (estimated needs of 217,000 euros)
Major dismantling and reassembly work are necessary due to the major risks of collapse in several areas of this remarkable rampart of nearly 5m in height and overlooking a public road for more than 200m.
Major dismantling and reassembly work are necessary due to the major risks of collapse in several areas of this remarkable rampart of nearly 5m in height and overlooking a public road for more than 200m.
7. On the pond... (estimated needs of 7,000 euros)
Cleaning, restoration of the water supply, rework of the overflow area and banks.
Cleaning, restoration of the water supply, rework of the overflow area and banks.
8. On the walls to be repaired... (estimated needs of 70,000 euros)
On the 400 meters of walls, restoration of the convents and several degraded areas. The most degraded is zone 8 below, in support over 50 meters long and 5 to 6 meters high, partially collapsed and dangerous.
On the 400 meters of walls, restoration of the convents and several degraded areas. The most degraded is zone 8 below, in support over 50 meters long and 5 to 6 meters high, partially collapsed and dangerous.
9. On the Concierges' House... (estimated needs of 480,000 euros)
This charming concierges' house, classified as a Historic Monument, has been abandoned since the end of the 50s. Major work is necessary, such as the dismantling of the remaining half that is now standing, in order to secure the building and allow it to be rebuilt.
Reconstruction of the walls identically (calibrated, aligned and lime-set stones).
Identical reconstruction of the roof wrought in chestnut and covered with slates.
Insulation/window frames/water/sewerage system/electricity/heating and fittings are required.
This charming concierges' house, classified as a Historic Monument, has been abandoned since the end of the 50s. Major work is necessary, such as the dismantling of the remaining half that is now standing, in order to secure the building and allow it to be rebuilt.
Reconstruction of the walls identically (calibrated, aligned and lime-set stones).
Identical reconstruction of the roof wrought in chestnut and covered with slates.
Insulation/window frames/water/sewerage system/electricity/heating and fittings are required.
10. The park's three main gates... (estimated needs of 60,000 euros)
Removal, restoration in approved ironwork and reinstallation on site are necessary, as the park's gates have been battered by falling trees and the work of time on their pillars.
Removal, restoration in approved ironwork and reinstallation on site are necessary, as the park's gates have been battered by falling trees and the work of time on their pillars.
11. Off-site photovoltaic farm... (under consideration to reduce operating costs)
At an altitude of 1,100 metres, Montivert has a high need for electricity, which is the main source of heating given the specificities of the site and the castle. An off-site and out-of-sight installation project is being studied in three areas for 4,000, 2,000 and 1,200 square meters of solar panels.
At an altitude of 1,100 metres, Montivert has a high need for electricity, which is the main source of heating given the specificities of the site and the castle. An off-site and out-of-sight installation project is being studied in three areas for 4,000, 2,000 and 1,200 square meters of solar panels.
Where do these figures come from and who manages the work?
The label "Historic Monument in its entirety without exception" obliges our association that all the work carried out in Montivert is supervised by a Heritage Architect, under the control and prior approval of the Government via the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) and the Architecte des Bâtiments de France (ABF).
Since the beginning of the rescue work, Pierrick de Vaujany's Heritage Architecture firm (opposite) has been following and working on this important series of restoration works in Montivert. From the general diagnosis, through the establishment of the plans for the formalism of the mandatory procedures, to the costing, the selection of craftsmen, materials and the follow-up of the work, everything depends on the professionalism of this renowned specialist, the real conductor of these delicate operations.
Since the beginning of the rescue work, Pierrick de Vaujany's Heritage Architecture firm (opposite) has been following and working on this important series of restoration works in Montivert. From the general diagnosis, through the establishment of the plans for the formalism of the mandatory procedures, to the costing, the selection of craftsmen, materials and the follow-up of the work, everything depends on the professionalism of this renowned specialist, the real conductor of these delicate operations.
Our priorities:
1. Relaunch investment projects
With investment projects n°3 (sheepfold), 4 (Vegetable garden), 2 (Régie) and 9 (Concierges' house) for a total of approximately 2.7 million euros. Although these projects are partly subsidizable due to the fact that Montivert is a recognised historical monument, there are still at least 1.7 million euros to be financed (excluding subsidies), which is obviously impossible without our sponsorship operations and your support.
2. Relaunch the work to secure and restore the walls and ramparts
Priority is given to renovation program n°5 (Vegetable garden wall to be rebuilt), 6 (Ramparts) and 8 (Park walls to be repaired), for a total of 370,000 euros that can be subsidized, but there are still 225,000 euros to be financed.
With investment projects n°3 (sheepfold), 4 (Vegetable garden), 2 (Régie) and 9 (Concierges' house) for a total of approximately 2.7 million euros. Although these projects are partly subsidizable due to the fact that Montivert is a recognised historical monument, there are still at least 1.7 million euros to be financed (excluding subsidies), which is obviously impossible without our sponsorship operations and your support.
2. Relaunch the work to secure and restore the walls and ramparts
Priority is given to renovation program n°5 (Vegetable garden wall to be rebuilt), 6 (Ramparts) and 8 (Park walls to be repaired), for a total of 370,000 euros that can be subsidized, but there are still 225,000 euros to be financed.
How can you help? (regardless of your financial means)
As we have nothing against receiving the 2 million euros of short-term needs, or even the 4.5 million euros of long-term needs, here are our bank details:
IBAN : FR76 1426 5006 0008 0013 8510 694
BIC : CEPAFRPP426 (Caisse d'Epargne Loire Drome Ardèche, Annonay)
Account Owner : Les amis du chateau de Montivert
Our address : Château de Montivert, 07690 Saint-André-en-Vivarais (France)
BIC : CEPAFRPP426 (Caisse d'Epargne Loire Drome Ardèche, Annonay)
Account Owner : Les amis du chateau de Montivert
Our address : Château de Montivert, 07690 Saint-André-en-Vivarais (France)
We also accept bequeaths for which you just have to contact your notary.
Finally, you can also make an automatic monthly donation or more commonly a one time donation by clicking on the button below or by using this QR code (fully secured).
Finally, you can also make an automatic monthly donation or more commonly a one time donation by clicking on the button below or by using this QR code (fully secured).
There is no such thing as a small contribution. We need all the goodwill. Every euro counts, and we thank you for that.
If you wish, personally or as a company, to have a highlight, or if you wish to discuss with us the financing of a particular project, or a donation in kind (materials, materials, furniture, equipment, skills, ...): Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail at: [email protected] or by phone at +33 6 33 52 71 83 (ask for Antoine).
Thank you for your attention, and your support!
If you wish, personally or as a company, to have a highlight, or if you wish to discuss with us the financing of a particular project, or a donation in kind (materials, materials, furniture, equipment, skills, ...): Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail at: [email protected] or by phone at +33 6 33 52 71 83 (ask for Antoine).
Thank you for your attention, and your support!
Ludovic FAURIE
President of the association
President of the association
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