Château Aurélien de Fréjus

Perched on a hill in the picturesque town of Fréjus, the Château Aurélien de Fréjus, also known locally as Villa Aurélienne, is a magnificent architectural gem that seamlessly blends history, culture, and nature. This neo-Palladian masterpiece, enveloped in a lush 24-hectare park, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the 19th century aristocracy, while also serving as a vibrant cultural hub today.

The History of Château Aurélien de Fréjus

The Château Aurélien de Fréjus owes its name to the ancient Via Aurelia, a significant Roman road that once stretched across the Roman Empire. Originally conceived as Villa Crossman, the château was commissioned by James Hiscutt Crossman, an heir to a prominent English brewing family. The construction, which began in 1886 under the guidance of architects Sylvain-Joseph Ravel and Henri Lacreusette, was inspired by the Palazzo Chiericati in Vicenza and the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Nice. Despite being completed in 1887, financial difficulties and architectural refinements delayed its final completion until 1889.

However, Crossman’s financial woes led to the château being seized and auctioned off in 1889. It was acquired by Marie-Lucie Valais, a widow of a Parisian stockbroker, who transformed the château into a cultural salon. She adorned its walls with an impressive art collection and hosted renowned figures such as Henri Rouart and André Gide. Unfortunately, due to her incapacity, Valais sold the property in 1904.

The subsequent owners, the marquis Henri Gourio de Refuge and his wife Emma de Tomaskiewicz, struggled to fulfill the purchase terms, leading to another seizure. In 1913, Charles Cambefort, a national society administrator from Champagne, purchased the château and renamed it Villa Aurélienne. The villa remained in the Cambefort family for 75 years, passing through the hands of his daughters and eventually to his grandchildren.

The War Years and Restoration

During World War II, Villa Aurélienne played a pivotal role as a military command post for the Italian forces from 1942 to September 1943. It later provided refuge for those expelled from Fréjus-Plage during the German occupation. The villa suffered significant damage following the Provence landings. In 1988, the city of Fréjus acquired the property, marking its centenary, with ambitions to develop a large-scale cultural project, which unfortunately never materialized. However, the villa was renovated in 1993 and now hosts various cultural events, particularly photographic exhibitions.

Exploring Château Aurélien de Fréjus

Visitors to Château Aurélien de Fréjus are greeted by its pale yellow façade, distinguished by its southern galleries adorned with marble and limestone columns. The interior is just as captivating, featuring marble floors with Greek friezes, intricate parquetry, and fruitwood fireplaces. The villa’s windows, designed in the Serlian style, offer a glimpse into the grandeur of its past.

The 24-hectare park surrounding the villa is a natural haven, protected as a natural site since the 1960s. It boasts a rich variety of Mediterranean vegetation, including Aleppo pines, umbrella pines, and Provence cypresses. Lower down, visitors can find exotic plants such as palm trees, cacti, and prickly pears, alongside local flora like laurustines, pistachios, myrtles, and strawberry trees. The park also houses remnants of the Roman aqueduct from Mons to Fréjus, adding a historical layer to its natural beauty.

Cultural Significance and Modern Use

Today, the Château Aurélien de Fréjus is a designated historical monument, with its living quarters, decorative elements, facades, roofs, and terraces all listed in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments since 1989. The villa’s grandeur makes it an ideal venue for hosting distinguished guests and cultural events. Its stained glass windows, renovated in 1994 by master glassmaker Ducatez from Salerne, add to its artistic allure.

In recent years, the villa has seen further restoration efforts, particularly in its gardens. In collaboration with the city of Fréjus, youth workshops led by the Club Fun Valley chantiers de jeunes Pays de Fayence have contributed to the restoration of parts of the park, including the former bouquet garden created in 1891 by Marie-Lucie Valais.

In conclusion, the Château Aurélien de Fréjus stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Fréjus. Its architectural elegance, combined with its storied past and stunning natural surroundings, makes it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and nature aficionados alike. Whether you’re exploring its grand interiors, strolling through its verdant park, or attending one of its cultural events, the château offers a captivating experience that transports you back to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.