In mid-August, the Princess of Hanover selected the Château de Marchais, a historic estate in the quiet commune of Marchais in northern France, for her vacation. The 1,500-hectare estate, nestled in the Aisne region, has been a refuge for the Grimaldi family for 170 years, serving as a place of retreat for the Princely Family.
The Princess arrived at Laon airfield on Thursday, August 15 and made her way to the château, located in a small town of just 400 residents. This property, which is listed as a Grimaldi Historic Site, has a rich history dating back to 1535 when it was built by Nicolas de Boussu, Superintendent of Royal Finances under François I, on the remnants of an older structure. According to local legends, it even housed Berthe au Grand Pied, mother of Charlemagne.
The estate became part of the Grimaldi heritage in 1854, when Countess Antoinette de Mérode, the wife of Prince Charles III of Monaco, acquired it as a property conveniently located between Paris and her native Belgium. Over the years, the château has witnessed many important family events, from Prince Albert I’s early nature explorations to Prince Rainier III’s family holidays.
The Château de Marchais has not only served as a second home for the Grimaldi family but also played a significant role in Prince Albert I’s early scientific experiments on its expansive grounds. The estate’s importance is further marked by Prince Albert I’s first marriage to Mary Victoria Hamilton, which took place at the château in 1869.
The Grimaldi family’s connection to Marchais extends beyond their private retreat. They have also made lasting contributions to the local community. Upon their arrival, they focused on improving the lives of the town’s residents. Under Princess Antoinette de Mérode’s leadership, the family initiated several humanitarian efforts, and Prince Charles III oversaw the construction of vital infrastructure, including a presbytery and a modern school, leaving a lasting legacy in the small commune.
