The Château de la Villedieu was completely rebuilt in the neo-gothic troubadour style in the 4th quarter of the 19th century (1875 or 1879 depending on the works).
The neo-gothic style, or gothic revival, is an architectural style born in the middle of the 18th century in England. With the development of romanticism, the public gained enthusiasm for the middle ages, medieval arts and the new aesthetic quality known as the “picturesque”.
In France, the revolution had broken the ties with its Christian and monarchic past, something which created a deep nostalgia for the glorious national past as a source of new inspiration. The middle ages were considered to be the golden age of Christianity and the passion for this period was obvious in the new troubadour style, the style of Château de la Villedieu.
As carefully preserved historic and cultural architectural patrimony, the neo-gothic châteaux reflect this blessed romantic period. These châteaux feature medieval shapes with their rigorous facades and centennial stones that are a testimony to an idealized romantic era. Many artists took their inspiration from 15th century flamboyant gothic objects “à la cathédrale” – “cathedral style”.
