The History of Château de Martragny
The château was built by the Marquis de Grangues in 1743. At the age of 21, the young man inherited a castle in a very poor state of repair, and set about rebuilding it.
During the French Revolution, the château was inhabited by the aristocratic de Cyresme family. During construction of the “new bar” in the spring of 1991, a wooden plaque with the inscription “de Cyresme” was found. It is currently located in the château’s main entrance.
The bell that still hangs from the château’s facade is also descended from this family. Inside, an inscription reads: “I have been named the Hummingbird by Mr. de Cyresme, Lord of no place but citizen of the world. It’s interesting to note that this philosophical thought of freedom presaged the Revolution.
In the 19th century, the de Mons family became the new owners. The château was then converted into a farmhouse, serving as a home, grain store and chicken coop! The outbuildings, where the store and showers are located today, were used as stables. Buildings were badly damaged in those days…
In September 1918, our Belgian friends came to wake up the sleeping beauty. Fearing the German invasion of their land near Ypres, the principal of the Saint-Stanislas school in Poperinge sent 119 pupils and 28 teachers to take refuge at the Château. They were housed in wooden barracks built in front of the outbuildings. The château’s rooms and salons were transformed into classrooms for a year.
In 1939, the château was occupied for a time by the British. They intended to set up an airfield and raze the property to the ground to make it easier for planes to land, but this project was abandoned when German troops arrived. The Germans requisition the château as an infirmary. Graffiti in German can still be found on some room doors.
After the war, in 1956, the Buon family, farmers in Creully, bought the château and began farming again, as well as refurbishing the château’s interior (floor, ceiling, staircase, etc.) In 1971, the property was taken over by the de St Victor family. They converted the park into a popular campsite, part of the Castel Camping & Caravaning chain.
In 1989, Monsieur and Madame de St Victor retired, and the de Buretel de Chassey family took over. The campsite facilities (toilets, electricity, swimming pool, kitchen…) are in need of serious refurbishment. In 1993/1994, “Les Granges” was converted into a reception hall for winter use and a bar & restaurant for the campsite in summer.
Château de Martragny may be a family property, but it’s above all part of the wonderful heritage of the Bessin region, which the passion and hard work of over ten generations have preserved to this day. The Château de Martragny has remained a popular venue for camping enthusiasts, family reunions and weddings, as well as rock and salsa nights, all of which have ensured that it continues to welcome you today!
