Septfontaines Abbey, former property of the Vendroux family - Charles de Gaulle's family-in-law

Founded in 1129, the architecture of Notre-Dame de Septfontaines abbey dates back to this period. It was built by the Seigneur de Mésière, whose first name was Hélie.
It underwent a number of architectural changes between the French Revolution and the 1st World War, and today has the structure of a 3-storey château flanked by 2 turrets, in the classical 17th century style inspired by François Mansart (high slate roofs, harmonious proportions).
At the start of the First World War, General Joffre set up his headquarters in the abbey, but the rapid advance of the Germans forced him to leave very quickly. In September 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm II moved to Charleville: the Château de Septfontaines was transformed into a casino by the Kaiser, who came here every day for tea, accompanied by his senior officers. The waltz of generals continued into the thirties.In the early 20th century, it became the property of the Vendroux family, Charles de Gaulle's family-in-law, who regularly stayed here to relax and recharge their batteries between the wars. The future general enjoyed horse riding, croquet, badminton and, in autumn, hunting. He also worked on some of his books. The estate was not just a place of pleasure. It was also a farm, run by farmers, with fields and orchards. The Vendroux family left in May 1940, as the château was very close to the German breakthrough on the Meuse.
In May 1978, before moving to the retirement home of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Paris, Yvonne de Gaulle, who had been widowed a few years earlier, made a final pilgrimage to the château, where her sister-in-law Madeleine, the widow of Jean Vendroux, still lived. Around 1985, the property was bought by the Prince de Mérode, who completely renovated the château and turned it into a prestigious hotel-restaurant. Stéphane Dupuis, François and Quentin Clarin bought the abbey of Sept Fontaines at the end of 2018 out of a passion for the place.
This monument is 10 minutes from Charleville-Mézières and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1980.