Chateau de Saint-Saturnin
The 2nd generation of owners is now in charge of restoration. Is there an end in sight?
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Humbert de Feydeau, owner of Chateau de Saint-Saturnin and his 5 children
When Humbert de Feydeau inherited the chateau from his parents, he knew what was in store for him: years of hard work restoring the medieval complex. They bought the ruined castle in 1995 and spent the next few decades meticulously restoring the old fortress, which features four beautiful towers and a corps de logis. Their work was tremendous, and the chateau, which at the time of purchase was a pile of medieval stones ready to be auctioned off by a greedy real estate agent, was reborn. Although Humbert was not involved in the restoration as a child, he witnessed it firsthand. He is not scared of the restoration's scale because his family—his wife and five kids—are with him on site every day! Mr. de Feydeau shared his childhood memories of the chateau, explained which towers need the most attention, and recounted how the 108-year-old former mayor of the town has followed the restoration progress since 1995.
A STONE QUARRY
Castles and Palaces (CnP): Judging by what I’ve read about the chateau—in 1995 your parents bought a massive ruin. What for did they need it?
Humbert de Feydeau (HF): My parents bought the chateau out of their passion for the French heritage. They found this castle in ruins and fell in love with its history and architecture. My mother's family stems from Cevennes, nearby. And our family is directly linked to Amphélise de Montferrand who was born in 1285. He owned the castle throughout the 13th century.
Humbert de Feydeau (HF): My parents bought the chateau out of their passion for the French heritage. They found this castle in ruins and fell in love with its history and architecture. My mother's family stems from Cevennes, nearby. And our family is directly linked to Amphélise de Montferrand who was born in 1285. He owned the castle throughout the 13th century.
CnP: Your family must have had a true passion for old stones! What is your background?
HF: Yes, in our family we are extremely passionate about old stones and about French history! It so happened that we are part of an aristocratic French family.
HF: Yes, in our family we are extremely passionate about old stones and about French history! It so happened that we are part of an aristocratic French family.
CnP: Back in 1995, the chateau was in a dire state, with one of its doors even sold out to a castle nearby. How bad was it?
HF: Before 1995, the castle was owned by a property seller who decided to sell it piece by piece. He auctioned off all the ancient doors and windows, and then the beautiful stones. The 17th-century western wing disappeared. The door of the Chateau de la Caze comes from the western wing of Saint-Saturnin. In the end, the castle was completely ruined, and no one wanted to buy it. It was about to disappear!
HF: Before 1995, the castle was owned by a property seller who decided to sell it piece by piece. He auctioned off all the ancient doors and windows, and then the beautiful stones. The 17th-century western wing disappeared. The door of the Chateau de la Caze comes from the western wing of Saint-Saturnin. In the end, the castle was completely ruined, and no one wanted to buy it. It was about to disappear!
CnP: This is a sad story about how people value money rather than heritage. In essence, your parents bought a heap of problems. What was the most pressing issue?
HF: Time. They had to act quickly to save the walls. We wanted to restore, not rebuild. The first issue, therefore, was maintaining the walls to prevent total collapse.
HF: Time. They had to act quickly to save the walls. We wanted to restore, not rebuild. The first issue, therefore, was maintaining the walls to prevent total collapse.
CnP: Why does the château bear the name Saint-Saturnin, and what does it mean?
HF: Saint Saturnin was a famous Catholic martyr from Toulouse in the south of France. There are several Saint-Saturnin chateaux in France, especially in the south.
HF: Saint Saturnin was a famous Catholic martyr from Toulouse in the south of France. There are several Saint-Saturnin chateaux in France, especially in the south.
CnP: After the urgent work was completed, your parents focused on restoring the main building of the castle. Why did you choose the 16th-century look instead of an earlier or later one?
HF: The southern wing, called the Corps de Logis or main house in medieval French, was already restored in the 16th century for a wedding between House Cenaret and House Levi-Mirepoix. That was the latest modification. We simply preserved the Corps de Logis in its final appearance. As simple as that.
HF: The southern wing, called the Corps de Logis or main house in medieval French, was already restored in the 16th century for a wedding between House Cenaret and House Levi-Mirepoix. That was the latest modification. We simply preserved the Corps de Logis in its final appearance. As simple as that.
CnP: I would say that the castle is quite different from what one would expect of a medieval chateau. Why is that, and which epoch does it represent?
HF: It is actually a typical medieval city castle. The castle still has its royal main tower, which is our square tower. It was built between 1280 and 1320. Two other towers (the northeast and southwest towers) date to the 15th century, while the largest tower (the northwest one) dates to the late 16th or early 17th century.
HF: It is actually a typical medieval city castle. The castle still has its royal main tower, which is our square tower. It was built between 1280 and 1320. Two other towers (the northeast and southwest towers) date to the 15th century, while the largest tower (the northwest one) dates to the late 16th or early 17th century.
HF: The Renaissance style is more ornamental in the Loire Valley. Here, it is simpler because we are in Lozère. We are in the mountains, 630 meters above sea level. Unfortunately, all of our ornamental stones were sold. Thankfully, though, we still have beautiful interior wall paintings that were restored in 2023.
CnP: What was the hardest part of the restoration for your family?
HF: If I may speak for my parents, it was saving the ruins. For us, the second generation to take over, the most important thing is continuing the restoration. We took over in 2016.
HF: If I may speak for my parents, it was saving the ruins. For us, the second generation to take over, the most important thing is continuing the restoration. We took over in 2016.
CnP: But you're not alone, are you? To what extent has the state been involved in the restoration efforts?
HF: We've always had strong financial and technical support from the state. We've also learned a lot from our architects: Architectes en Chef des Monuments Historiques. They have the special skills and training necessary to restore historical monuments, both public and private.
HF: We've always had strong financial and technical support from the state. We've also learned a lot from our architects: Architectes en Chef des Monuments Historiques. They have the special skills and training necessary to restore historical monuments, both public and private.
EVERY KID'S DREAM?
CnP: Did you help your parents restore the castle when you were a child? What is your most emotional and memorable recollection?
HF: I was young when I first saw the chateau with my parents. I've always been passionate about medieval castles, so Saint-Saturnin was a big deal for me. However, I must admit that it was my parents' project, and I didn't really get involved. Now, as the owner with my wife and five children, I must say that the most emotional moment for me was renovating the main gate. It was during the pandemic, and we could follow each step of the process. It was fabulous!
HF: I was young when I first saw the chateau with my parents. I've always been passionate about medieval castles, so Saint-Saturnin was a big deal for me. However, I must admit that it was my parents' project, and I didn't really get involved. Now, as the owner with my wife and five children, I must say that the most emotional moment for me was renovating the main gate. It was during the pandemic, and we could follow each step of the process. It was fabulous!
CnP: I read that you only incorporated six authentic steps into the reconstructed stairway. Where did you find them?
HF: The six authentic steps were still in the stairway. The stairway had collapsed a few months before the chateau was purchased. My parents had to rebuild and resize the entire stairway. The tower was intentionally destroyed in order to sell all the stones. We were fortunate to be able to keep some of the original steps.
HF: The six authentic steps were still in the stairway. The stairway had collapsed a few months before the chateau was purchased. My parents had to rebuild and resize the entire stairway. The tower was intentionally destroyed in order to sell all the stones. We were fortunate to be able to keep some of the original steps.
CnP: The chateau was built in the 13th century and was one of the French king’s castles. What is the oldest part?
HF: The main tower is the oldest part of the castle and the last remaining royal tower in the Gevaudan region. It dates back to the 13th century. While continuing the restoration process, we discovered that the northeastern tower dates back to the 15th century. It was a watchtower for the royal garrison and has two small hidden staircases, latrines on each floor, and beautiful loopholes on different sides.
HF: The main tower is the oldest part of the castle and the last remaining royal tower in the Gevaudan region. It dates back to the 13th century. While continuing the restoration process, we discovered that the northeastern tower dates back to the 15th century. It was a watchtower for the royal garrison and has two small hidden staircases, latrines on each floor, and beautiful loopholes on different sides.
CnP: Restoration works have been ongoing since 1995. What's on the "mission accomplished" list?
HF: Oh, it can never end! My family has been restoring the chateau for 30 years. We hope to accomplish as much as possible. We are trying to restore the 15th-century watchtower, but unfortunately, we don't have all the necessary funds yet. We hope to finish quickly because the tower loses stones every year, and one vault has already collapsed.
HF: Oh, it can never end! My family has been restoring the chateau for 30 years. We hope to accomplish as much as possible. We are trying to restore the 15th-century watchtower, but unfortunately, we don't have all the necessary funds yet. We hope to finish quickly because the tower loses stones every year, and one vault has already collapsed.
CnP: If it's not a secret, how much did you spend on the restoration in total?
HF: The correct answer is two generations and a lot of energy! The secret is to be a family. It's easier when you can support and encourage each other.
HF: The correct answer is two generations and a lot of energy! The secret is to be a family. It's easier when you can support and encourage each other.
CnP: The castle should be grateful to you for saving it. How did the building reward you? What did the chateau surprise you with?
HF: Oh yes, we are rewarded. Our children are our first reward. They are passionate and interested in history. Apart from the storytelling and visitors every summer, it is our family home. It's a great opportunity to live within these historical walls! It's the perfect place to gather our family and welcome our friends!
HF: Oh yes, we are rewarded. Our children are our first reward. They are passionate and interested in history. Apart from the storytelling and visitors every summer, it is our family home. It's a great opportunity to live within these historical walls! It's the perfect place to gather our family and welcome our friends!
CnP: Are there any medieval elements in the chateau that still work?
HF: Yes, the enormous chimneys and the locksmith are still fully functional. We also have terracotta floor tiles and 16th-century paintings. The interiors are therefore very medieval.
HF: Yes, the enormous chimneys and the locksmith are still fully functional. We also have terracotta floor tiles and 16th-century paintings. The interiors are therefore very medieval.
CnP: You said that you are happy living within the castle walls. Do you live there year-round?
HF: Yes, we do! We live in the chateau, and we also receive visitors. During the tours, we show our dining and living quarters. Guests can also glimpse the medieval kitchen downstairs, but it's still under renovation.
HF: Yes, we do! We live in the chateau, and we also receive visitors. During the tours, we show our dining and living quarters. Guests can also glimpse the medieval kitchen downstairs, but it's still under renovation.
City lights for chateau nights!
HF: We hope to finish the renovations within the next 20 years. Once the watchtower is finished, our guests will be able to visit the chateau, all the way up to the third floor!
CnP: Do you remember your first night in the castle? What did you feel?
HF: Of course! It felt more like camping than being in a castle! The first time we slept on the third floor of the main tower, we thought about our predecessors. What were they like? How were they dressed? It was wonderful to be on the beautiful third floor, with loopholes serving as windows and stone seating in front of them. This floor is called the Camera, or the Lord's room.
HF: Of course! It felt more like camping than being in a castle! The first time we slept on the third floor of the main tower, we thought about our predecessors. What were they like? How were they dressed? It was wonderful to be on the beautiful third floor, with loopholes serving as windows and stone seating in front of them. This floor is called the Camera, or the Lord's room.
CnP: I am sure you've been thinking about your chateau legends. There must be many of them. Which one do you love the most?
HF: There's one that I adore. It's wonderful. People talked about the last aristocratic owner of the chateau who was considered a fool. Why? Because he used to carry stones up and down the nearby mountain, the Causse de Sauveterre.
HF: There's one that I adore. It's wonderful. People talked about the last aristocratic owner of the chateau who was considered a fool. Why? Because he used to carry stones up and down the nearby mountain, the Causse de Sauveterre.
HF: Thanks to a historian, we made a discovery—the poor man was haunted by the idea that his great-uncle voted for the death of King Louis XVI. He tried to do penance for his uncle's soul with these stones, as was customary.
CnP: This is more than just a legend! It's more like an anecdote. Which part of the castle makes your heart race?
HF: The main tower, specifically the third floor, also known as the royal floor of the Lord's room. I'm also fond of the windows, which are all "trilobées" in French. They're shaped like shamrocks.
HF: The main tower, specifically the third floor, also known as the royal floor of the Lord's room. I'm also fond of the windows, which are all "trilobées" in French. They're shaped like shamrocks.
CnP: The classical portal that had to be removed to install the machinery looks impressive, but it differs from the rest of the castle. Was it added later?
HF: No, no! The portal is made of authentic stones that we used. One pillar was even there. Only three stones had to be recreated. There are no later additions!
HF: No, no! The portal is made of authentic stones that we used. One pillar was even there. Only three stones had to be recreated. There are no later additions!
CnP: When your parents, Alix and Henri de Feydeau, approached the mayor of the village to express their wish to buy the ruins, he could hardly believe it. Now that the castle has been restored, what do the locals say about your accomplishment?
HF: You won't believe it! The mayor is still alive and is 108 years old [as of September 2025, when the interview took place]. When he saw the classical portal in 2020, he said, "Just as I remember it. There was a nut tree right there!" The castle was a ruin in the center of the village. The people of Saint-Saturnin are happy to see the château restored and are very thankful to us. They have always been very nice to our family.
HF: You won't believe it! The mayor is still alive and is 108 years old [as of September 2025, when the interview took place]. When he saw the classical portal in 2020, he said, "Just as I remember it. There was a nut tree right there!" The castle was a ruin in the center of the village. The people of Saint-Saturnin are happy to see the château restored and are very thankful to us. They have always been very nice to our family.
CnP: How do you generally get along with the locals? Do you employ anyone?
HF: We try to work with local artisans as much as possible. It's very important to us because it can have a significant impact on the local economy.
HF: We try to work with local artisans as much as possible. It's very important to us because it can have a significant impact on the local economy.
CnP: There's a castle called the Chateau d'Armentières in the Hauts-de-France region. It's a problematic castle. Only one tower is habitable, and the main building is a ruin. I’ve spoken with the owners, the Kerekes family, who are doing everything they can to preserve it. They do not give up; they keep going and raising money. Do you have any advice? I guess you've walked a similar way with your castle, and I'm wondering if you've had the same experiences.
HF: Unfortunately, we are trying to save our chateau just like them. An uncle of mine who restored a magnificent castle told us that these buildings should never endanger a family or put them in a critical financial situation. It's true that we always want to do more and faster. But we have to take our time. It took my uncle 50 years to restore his castle!
HF: Unfortunately, we are trying to save our chateau just like them. An uncle of mine who restored a magnificent castle told us that these buildings should never endanger a family or put them in a critical financial situation. It's true that we always want to do more and faster. But we have to take our time. It took my uncle 50 years to restore his castle!
CnP: I assume your family experienced ups and downs during the decades-long restoration process. When were you in despair?
HF: Of course, every time we were ready to start, we discovered another problem: another water leak in the roof or cracks in the walls. This happened three times in the last ten years.
HF: Of course, every time we were ready to start, we discovered another problem: another water leak in the roof or cracks in the walls. This happened three times in the last ten years.
CnP: What is your vision for your castle?
HF: We try to keep the castle open. Currently, it is open for visits every Thursday from April to October. We want it to be an inhabited castle, not a museum. This is important to us and to our visitors. We also want this château to bear witness to France's great history, as well as our ability to restore a castle the old-fashioned way thanks to the skills of our artisans, carpenters, and masons.
HF: We try to keep the castle open. Currently, it is open for visits every Thursday from April to October. We want it to be an inhabited castle, not a museum. This is important to us and to our visitors. We also want this château to bear witness to France's great history, as well as our ability to restore a castle the old-fashioned way thanks to the skills of our artisans, carpenters, and masons.
CnP: You have extensive experience and expertise in restoration. What advice would you give to someone who wants to buy a ruined castle and restore it?
HF: Do it! Take your time and consult with excellent artisans and architects. Also, remember that these buildings don't belong entirely to us. We are merely "un maillon de la chaine" (a link in the chain). We preserve these beautiful old walls to keep our history alive for future generations.
HF: Do it! Take your time and consult with excellent artisans and architects. Also, remember that these buildings don't belong entirely to us. We are merely "un maillon de la chaine" (a link in the chain). We preserve these beautiful old walls to keep our history alive for future generations.
I hope you enjoyed the interview with Humbert de Feydeau, who took over the family estate and continues to restore the Chateau de Saint-Saturnin with his wife and five children.
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You can always get in touch with us via castlesandfamilies@gmail.com
Don't miss new stories by castle owners!
You can always get in touch with us via castlesandfamilies@gmail.com