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Château d’Aubiry in Céret: Belle Époque Gem and Film Set

The Catalan Eden, the new Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.

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History

Built between 1893 and 1904 for Justin Bardou-Job, son of industrialist Pierre Bardou (founder of JOB cigarette papers), the Château d’Aubiry embodies the splendor of the Belle Époque in the South of France.

    • Architect: Viggo Dorph-Petersen, renowned for his châteaux in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
    • Style: a blend of Neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau.
    • The estate remained with the Bardou family until 1973 before being acquired by the De Pra family.
    • Listed as a Historic Monument for its architecture and park.

Location and Setting

Located in Céret, in the Pyrénées-Orientales (Occitanie), the château overlooks the Roussillon plain, surrounded by vineyards and cherry trees.

    • Just 30 minutes from Perpignan and the Spanish border.
    • A vast landscaped park surrounds the building, with greenhouses, outbuildings, and palm-lined avenues.
    • Ideal for architecture and photography enthusiasts.

Architectural Features

Château d’Aubiry is a technical and aesthetic marvel of the late 19th century.

    • Charente stone facade and local marble decorations.
    • Monumental staircases, painted ceilings, and Art Nouveau stained glass.
    • Metal and glass greenhouses inspired by the industrial era.
    • A balance between modernity and romanticism, typical of Viggo Dorph-Petersen.

Visits and Access

The estate is private and not freely open to visitors. However, certain occasions allow for a closer look at the site:

    • Heritage Days: exceptionally open to the public.
    • Cultural events or film shoots.
    • Exterior views from the Céret road.

SEO Tip: specify in the meta description “Private property, visible from the exterior in Céret”.

A Film Set: “The Count of Monte Cristo”

In 2024, Château d’Aubiry hosted part of the filming for The Count of Monte Cristo, directed by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, starring Pierre Niney as Edmond Dantès.

    • The entrance hall, main staircase, and certain rooms served as interior sets.
    • The scenes highlighted the majesty of the location and its romantic atmosphere.
    • The château thus becomes a symbol of elegance and mystery, true to the spirit of Alexandre Dumas’ novel.

“Did you know…?” Film viewers will recognize Château d’Aubiry’s monumental staircase, transformed for the occasion into the residence of the Count of Monte Cristo. A 100% Catalan setting serving a literary myth.

Why Château d’Aubiry Still Fascinates

    • Its spectacular architecture, rare in France.
    • Its strong connection to the region’s industrial history.
    • Its appearance in contemporary cinema.
    • Its aura of mystery, reinforced by its private and less accessible status.

Practical Information

    • Address: Route de Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts, 66400 Céret, France.
    • Access: visible from the road; interior closed to the public.
    • Nearby: Céret Museum of Modern Art, historic center, Saturday market.

To Learn More

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