Château de Freÿr: A Wallonian Versailles

Château de Freÿr, gracefully situated on the banks of the Meuse River near Dinant, is a captivating estate with centuries of history. The castle's story began in 1378 when Jean de Rochefort Orjol was granted a fortress by the Count of Namur. In 1410, it passed to the Beaufort-Spontin family, who have maintained it ever since. The original keep was destroyed in 1554, and the current structure began its transformation in 1571 in the Mosan Renaissance style. In the 18th century, Frédéric-Auguste de Beaufort-Spontin drew inspiration from Versailles to transform the Château into a grand summer residence. The castle has welcomed numerous royal figures, including Louis XIV and Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan. Intriguingly, in 1675, the first cup of coffee in Belgium was reportedly enjoyed here during the Treaty of Freÿr negotiations. The castle showcases a blend of architectural styles. Inside, visitors can admire the Renaissance dining room, the Baroque entrance hall, and the Rococo chapel. The formal terraced gardens, designed in the style of André Le Nôtre, feature manicured lawns, water features, hedge mazes, and the oldest potted orange trees in Europe. These orange trees, dating back to the early 18th century, were brought from Lunéville, France, and are housed in their original wooden cases. The upper gardens include six kilometers of hornbeam hedges shaped into mazes. Today, the Château de Freÿr remains a family home, open to the public to share its culture and beauty. Visitors can explore the castle and gardens, immersing themselves in its rich history and elegant atmosphere.