Château Lumière (Castle of Light), France

Château Lumière (“Castle of Light”) is a derelict 20th Century French Chateau. A wealthy tobacco tycoon built this grand mansion in the early 1900’s. This breathtaking building lies overgrown and decaying in a small French town. The chateau has a strong Neo-Baroque influence. The most iconic feature is a stunning skylight which floods the three-storey entrance hall. Consequently, the foyer is bright and light even on the cloudiest of days.

This house was originally used for business purposes. The owner left the town in the 1950’s. Subsequently, he sold Château Lumière. Ownership of the chateau then changed hands over the years. It is hard to pinpoint when the house was abandoned. Most people agree that is was likely some time in the 1980’s.

Light pours in through the large oval glass skylight of Château Lumière. Daylight illuminates the three-storey entrance hall through cut-outs on the landings which mirror the shape of the skylight. Each landing features a black-painted wrought iron balustrade with decorative scrolls and Fleur-de-Lis patterns.

The Abandoned “Castle of Light” – 1980s to 2021

In recent years Château Lumière has become a very popular location with photographers. People travel from far and wide to enjoy the architecture. Children and teenagers are frequently seen running through the halls, as the younger local generations also explore this unusual playground. Sadly the impressive entrance hall mirror has been smashed, and much of the ground floor has been tagged with ugly graffiti and slogans.

Château Lumière is unfurnished, and fittings and furniture removed by the previous owner or “liberated” by the unscrupulous and opportunistic. A dramatic red carpet lines the walkway from the main entrance to the far side of the entrance hall, where a large mirror once stood before it was destroyed. A dark wooden fireplace with carved features sits in a side room on the ground floor.

2021 New Owners – Chateau Lumiere renovation begins

Towards the end of 2021, the chateau was bought by new owners. Firstly the clearing of the wild overgrowth surrounding the chateau began at the end of 2021. For the first time in decades, the chateau exterior was decorated with Christmas cheer! Renovation work began in January 2022. Finally, the chateau is on its way to an even brighter future and a new life!