Pythons, murder, spiritualism… The secrets of the Clos des Fées castle, near Le Havre

See my news
Follow 76actu

In the distance, hidden under a fine drizzle, the shadow of the Clos des Fées castle. A imposing ghostly buildingerected more than a century ago in Saint-Jouin-Bruneval.

“It’s a real memory of the town,” says François Auber, the mayor.

And the least we can say is that the castle has had 1,001 lives: from a place of great festivities during the Belle Époque to a vacation spot for the orphans of Le Havre, it has fallen in decay…. before being reborn from its ashes by 2027 as part of the construction of new housing.

Back to its history.

Extravagant parties

It was in 1904 that the architect Louis Besnard built his “Hôtel de Paris”, a place in the baroque style, symbol of a seaside town in the making. At this time, many festivals were organized within the castle grounds, made up of around ten rooms. As well as “garden parties” where many socialites mingle.

All of this, built on a 7,000 square meter site “where a Cauchois manor already exists” points out the city councilor.

After a first sale in 1926, the Clos des Fées was bought by the association of Ladies of Providence Du Bon Pasteur [qui se consacre à l’accompagnement de jeunes adolescents et d’enfants en difficulté familiale ou sociale, Ndlr].

And every summer, little girls, often orphans, invade their new vacation home.

The writer Edward Montier (1870-1954) describes the place as “a palace for toddlers”:

In the large room with two rows of high columns is organized the “little” dining room (…) The schedule of dinners and exercises is judiciously regulated according to the age of the little girls: nap after lunch, going down to the beach…

“At this period, they lived self-sufficiently thanks in particular to the vegetable garden, maintained by the gardeners,” explains François Auber.

The murder of a child

Until the day when a young resident of the association is killed by the gardener. The newspapers of the time wrote without filter: “there was even an assassination. To be inscribed on the black pages of local history.” A murky news item, reported in the columns of Monde in 1979, which still haunts the place.

In 1984, the estate was bought by a certain Xavier Maillet, a colorful character which left its mark on the minds of the inhabitants of Saint-Jouin-Bruneval and even beyond.

Because hearing everyone’s comments, many have heard of “the dog man who sleeps in his caravan”.

Now deceased, the squire has been talked about for a long time.

“The Dog Man”

First when he acquired the estate, he wanted to turn it into a bar-restaurant. Which was not to the taste of the mayor at the time.

The mayor even issued orders to prevent his commercial activity since the castle is located… near the church.

Never mind, Xavier Maillet intends to stay in his field. Place where he breeds around thirty dogs, horses as well as… two pythons and a lionnamed Bacchus!

“I remember that we didn’t approach the castle because we heard the dogs,” remembers a young man from the village. Moreover, when we were able to enter the area, we found many bones. “No doubt food for these dogs,” notes the mayor.

In 1987, the squire was even charged with obstructing traffic : he had planted nails on the road during a patriotic ceremony in the village.

“He also slept in his caravan, next to the castle,” relates the mayor. The places fall into disrepair very quickly. Two fires arise and end up destroying the vestiges of the Belle Époque.

Spiritism sessions

In a state of significant disrepair, the Clos des Fées is a mecca of fantasy. First for the paranormal enthusiasts
who indulge in spiritualism sessions.

One evening, I saw two women all dressed in black sitting inside the castle, with another woman who predicted the future.

They were immediately asked to leave the premises “which can be very dangerous.” I was especially afraid that the children would come for a walk here because they could have hurt themselves.”

Obviously, despite the ban, urbex sessions [une pratique qui consiste à visiter des lieux abandonnés, Ndlr] get organized.

In 2020, after long negotiations, the town hall bought the castle for 410,000 euros, in partnership with the EPFN (Public Land Establishment of Normandy), before Xavier Maillet died.

It will therefore be transformed within three years and the original facade will be preserved, to recall the entire history of this emblematic building.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.