Château de Braux Sainte Cohière

Why did you purchase and rehabilitate Braux Sainte-Cohière, a former 16th and 17th century military garrison?
We are a couple who loves history and old stones. The idea of taking on a château was a shared project that we planned over many years.
We found the property when it was put up for sale by l’Institut de
France. The magnificent green setting of the château, its fascinating history and majestic military architecture – like none other in the Argonne – completely disarmed us.

Families may play knight games at the château: can you explain that?
A great number of games were invented by the troops during the
inactive periods of military campaigns. Today, these games are a
great way to combine history with fun.
There are around fifty games to discover here as a family. All the
wooden games are crafted by specialised artisans based on café games that are still very popular in the north of France.

What sights can be admired inside and outside the château?
Inside, you will discover the chapel, the 17th-century living quarters built up against the Henry IV pavilion, the ceremonial staircase – listed as a historical monument – and a series of reception rooms. The quadrilateral château is flanked by four towers, and it features an octagonal dovecote, an architectural
treasure that reminds us how important this form of communication was at the time.

The ten-hectare park invites visitors for a romantic stroll. What are its most remarkable features?
The château is surrounded by fifteen-metre-wide moats and a park of centuries-old trees. Along the paths you will discover a rose garden, an orangeryand a medicinal herb garden, which bring the park a timeless atmosphere of tranquillity and serenity. We have added a few deck chairs and picnic tables for the comfort of visitors who want to take their time here.

Can you give us an idea of the various activities available?
Children are welcome to make traditional madeleines in the baking workshop.
The Argonnais story hour and French song workshop, both led by hostesses in period costume, are very popular with families.