Photos courtesy of Château d’Adoménil
The first documentation of Lunéville dates back to 1000 when Folmar II founded the Abbey of St Rémy. Nuns replaced the resident monks in the 11th century who, in turn, were replaced by the canons of St Augustine in the 12th century.
In 1515, Duke Antoine, son of Duke René II of Lorraine signed an agreement that separated the abbey and the village of Adoménil. This cleared the way for the eventual building of the château.
The peace of the region was destroyed once the troops of Louis XIII and Richelieu arrived. Soldiers occupied the surrounding villages, compelling Duke Charles IV to order the village of Adoménil razed, so the French couldn’t take it. Only the château survived.
The 18th century saw new owners of Adoménil. The Hennequin de Gellenoncourts were granted the title of Comte de Curel, lord of Adoménil. This family added a chapel dedicated to Notre Dame. Every 8 September, this dedication is celebrated.
In 1888, Emile Guerin acquired the château and restored it, the chapel, and the surrounding woodlands. The Guerin family sold the property in 1978 to Michel Million.
Pamela’s Perspective
The Château d’Adoménil makes an excellent base in which to explore the central Lorraine region or a perfect stopover en route to Germany.
Château d’Adoménil
A 17th-century castle
Contact
54300 Lunéville
Tel: ++33 (0) 83 74 04 81
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
7 rooms and 5 suites
Double rooms: from 190–230 euros
Suites: from 260 euros
Rates include service;
breakfast extra
Open: February and mid-March through New Years. Hotel and restaurant closed on occasional days during off season. Inquire.
Getting there
Lunéville is southeast of Nancy, off N333. From Nancy or Strasbourg, exit Lunéville-Centre-Rambervilliers. Continue in the direction of Lunéville. When entering the town, turn left at the first light, then after 300 meters, turn left after the bridge. The closest train station is in Lunéville.
What to do
On site: swimming pool
Nearby: hiking
This lovely château offers the traveler elegant accommodations and a superb dining experience. It is a member of the Relais & Châteaux association, which assures a very high standard.
Guest rooms may be in either of three buildings: the château itself, the former stables, or an outbuilding called the “Maison de Vignron.” Within the château, five guest rooms look out over the park or main garden, while those in the former stables have views of the garden and swimming pool. All rooms are large, air-conditioned, and have modern, tile and marble bathrooms. The decor is stylish country.
One of the main reasons travelers stop by the Château d’Adoménil is to dine in French cuisine heaven. Although there is a contemporary-style restaurant, it’s the traditional, gourmet restaurant, under the direction of Cyril Leclerc, that receives the raves. Be warned, you will not eat here on a budget.
For less formal fare, with a car you have easy access to restaurants in Lunéville or even Nancy.
And when you need to walk off all that over-indulgence, the château has vast and carefully tended grounds with a lake and river to explore.
Something special
Gourmet restaurant awarded a Michelin star