Boulogne-la-Grasse Castle

Boulogne-la-Grasse Castle, locally known as Château de Boulogne-la-Grasse, lies next to the village with the same name, in the Oise department in France.

In 1890, Charles Boulogne, a wealthy Belgian landowner from Paris, purchased the title of Count of Boulogne. Subsequently, he built Boulogne-la-Grasse Castle between 1890 and 1913 with local craftsmen. The castle was constructed on the site of a predecessor once owned by the Lancry family.

During World War I, Boulogne-la-Grasse Castle was positioned very close to the front lines. French soldiers were stationed in the village and the castle, with one of its towers serving as an artillery lookout post. In 1915, the castle was visited by French Prime Minister Poincaré, Minister of War Millerand, General Joffre, and Belgian King Albert I. They observed the front from one of its towers. In the first half of 1918, the village and castle were shelled by German forces, which almost obliterated the village and largely destroyed the castle. After this bombardment, the area came under German control. By August 1918, the area was back under French control.

Between 1919 and 1935, the castle and outbuildings were partially reconstructed to repair the damage caused by World War I.

To be honest, this isn't a genuine medieval castle, although it certainly looks like one. But upon closer inspection, you can see it is neo-medieval, or, what we would call today, a Disney-like castle. Very charming!

When I visited, Boulogne-la-Grasse Castle was a private residence. In 2024, it was purchased by an association dedicated to its preservation, and it can now be visited.

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