Château Secret, France

Château Secret is a stunning abandoned Neo-Renaissance-style home in France. Inside, there are rooms upon rooms that are all beautifully furnished, including cute bedrooms, comfy lounges, and plush dining rooms. One of the most beautiful rooms is a green-walled library, with several vintage sewing machines.

I explored this location during my 2023 late-summer road trip around France.

History of the abandoned Château Secret

Of course, Château Secret boasts a rich lineage. The original 15th-century manor was a fortified structure with ditches and enclosures. Remnants of this early house exist as a two-towered porch connected to the rest of the castle. In fact, the lion’s share of the current structure is Neo-Renaissance style, built in 1868. The family sold other estates to fund its construction, consolidating their property wealth into this one grand abode. Ownership has changed hands throughout history, passing through the hands of various blue-blooded French families as well as occasional foreign ownership. One owner is reported to be a Titanic disaster victim. I would suggest, a pinch of salt is required for that tale.

Most sources suggest the Château Secret has been largely uninhabited for the last two decades. In the early 2000s, it saw a flurry of life when a local architect splashed some cash and furnished it with thrifty second-hand furniture finds. Subsequently, selling it to foreign investors, who proceeded to do nothing with it other than leave it to rot. Currently, a group of passionate young people is striving to restore this historical gem to its former glory!

Exploring this abandoned “secret” French chateau

The grand entrance hall has a magnificent mosaic floor, and a sturdy wood staircase that is delightfully creaky to traverse. At the back of the entry, there is a door with a red frame. This unassuming door opens into the magnificent family chapel, which has beautiful stained glass windows. Following on, the main dining room is located on the left side of the entrance hall. Fine wooden cabinets and other pieces of furniture are set against wood-panelled walls. The inlays are embellished with silk covers adorned with gold fleur-de-lis, the emblem of French royalty.

On the right side of the entrance hall is the Château Secret grand salon, with its elaborate neo-classical wall panelling and pilasters that lend the space a palatial feel. The grand piano in this room was made by a renowned Parisian maker who was a favourite of Chopin, Stravinsky, and other notable composers. Directly above, on the upper landing, is a second piano, an upright type.

Finally, we come to my favourite room. One of the most unusual rooms has an all-green décor that doubles as a study and library and was furnished with antique sewing machines. In addition to this room, there are numerous stunning bedrooms, each with its own distinctive décor and furnishings.