To all “Norman Versailles”, all honor. For the second year in a row, the Château du Champ-de-Bataille, in Sainte-Opportune-du-Bosc near Neubourg (Eure), is taking advantage of the end-of-year celebrations to treat itself to a theatrical break during the winter, when it is usually closed to the public. “We wanted to create a slightly different event to allow a wide audience to discover the place in an original way, without putting Christmas trees and garlands everywhere,” explains Sébastien Bagot, responsible for the development of this 45 hectare property belonging to decorator Jacques Garcia who completely restored it.
“There is sometimes a little impressive side for those who do not know the place and its park which we associate with the image of a Norman Versailles. By putting on a show accessible to all, we are breaking the rules a little,” assures the man who contacted the Héritages association to propose his own version of the “Queen’s Necklace”, adapted to the history of the place. “Last year we imagined that during his trip to Cherbourg, Louis XVI stopped here, accompanied by Marie-Antoinette, who was however not present at the time in her carriage. It is above all a pretext to discover the treasures of the castle which then serves as a setting. »
Actors on the stairs
This year, the Champ-de-Bataille team imagined that the Duchess of Beauvron, the real owner of the castle in the 18th century, was plotting to steal this fabulous necklace, in order to finance the restoration of the building. Around fifteen actors in period costume distribute the roles to play at different points of the castle the scenes of this intrigue which allows you to explore places that are usually open to visitors.
“We pass through the kitchens, via a staircase in the chapel, the basements… The idea is to create an almost intimate atmosphere where visitors witness a story unfolding before their eyes,” continues Sébastien Bagot, happy to see that the public supports this original proposal. “Last year, we were full on the second weekend. The immersive side really appeals. And we hope that this will be the case again this year.”
Go to www.chateauduchampdebataille.com for any information. Next performances on the weekends of December 21 and 22 then January 4 and 5. Prices: €19.99 and €29.99
