Château de Pennautier
Bernard Reich de Pennautier, Treasurer of the States of Languedoc, built Château de Pennautier in 1620. His extraordinary task required being in the public eye and his castle had to be grandiose.
In 1622, he hosted King Louis XIII who made him a present of his travelling furniture which is now classified as an Historical Monument. Pierre-Louis de Pennautier, Bernard’s powerful and refined son was, like his father, the Treasurer of the States of Languedoc, when he became Receiver General of the Clergy of France, an even greater responsibility. A prominent man, he engaged Le Vau, the architect of Versailles to design the wings of Chateau de Pennautier and Le Nôtre to design the French formal gardens.
Being part of the great monuments of French history, the Lorgeril family developed a culture of wine and excellence. Today, Château de Pennautier is a showcase of French art of living. Classified as a French Historical Monument, the château was entirely refurbished in 2009, combining the beauty of heritage and the charm of a family home with a state-of-the-art site suitable for receptions and memorable events.
Château de Pennautier has been described as « The Versailles of Languedoc » for its grandeur and style. It is a perfect example of classicism in spite of the three phases of its construction.
2018
1620
Bernard Reich de Pennautier, Lord of Pennautier, Treasurer of the States of Languedoc, laid the first stone.
1622
14th July – he received the young King Louis XII in his château as a mark of gratitude to his host, the king left some furniture which has been carefully preserved ever since in the bedroom in which he stayed. It is also classified as an Historical Monument.
1670
Pierre-Louis de Pennautier, Treasurer of the States of Languedoc and Receiver General of the Clergy of France, was succeeded by his son who extended the castle and engaged prominent architects of the time such as LE Vau, the architect of Versailles and Le Nôtre, the landscaper of Versailles. At this time, the wines from Pennautier were served to the king’s officers (1701).
1711
At the death of Pierre-Louis de Pennautier, who died childless, Château de Pennautier was left to his nephews and became the property of the Beynaguet family.
1778
Jacques Beynaguet de Pennautier, knight of Saint Pardoux, was succeeded by his brother, who had pursued a military career in the Republican armies. He brought back many paintings and memorabilia from his campaigns, which are still in the château today.
1847
Rodolphe de Beynaguet de Pennautier embarked upon the third phase of constructions by adding the central structure. Influenced by the fashion at the time, he introduced Italian mosaic floors and formal English gardens.
1910
Paule de Pennautier, Rodolphe’s granddaughter and last surviving Beynaguet took over the Esate at the age of 21.
1919
She married Count Christian de Lorgeril. The couple renovated the castle and added a pediment carrying the coat-of-arms of the two families. They also extended the vineyards.
1960
Count Alain de Lorgeril and his wife Françoise de Sampigny continued to renovate the château and planted the first Bordeaux variety vines such as Merlot and Cabernet.
1987
Nicolas de Lorgeril took over the family Estate. He has been continuing the family work. Along with his wife Miren de Saint Chamas, he refurbished the château in 2009 with a mind to hosting receptions, private events and conferences. They have also diversified in Languedoc and have acquired six Estates covering nine controlled appellations (AOC).
