Completed Works

Phase 1: emergency work

In 2016, the château, severely damaged by a devastating fungus —dry rot (mérule)— was on the brink of collapse. Emergency works were launched at the last minute to save it from imminent ruin.

Rope Access Technicians

Experts in high-altitude work, the rope access technicians had two missions:

To secure unstable decorative elements and ornaments that risked falling and damaging the already fragile roof
To seal water infiltration points (slate tiles, joints, bracing, temporary coverings) in order to make the château watertight and stop moisture infiltration — the perfect breeding ground for dry rot (mérule), a devastating fungus that attacks the building’s structural framework

Structural Shoring

Faced with imminent risk, the château was shored up to stabilize its structure and allow for the restoration work essential to its survival.

Removal of Woodwork and Parquet Flooring

The wood paneling and parquet floors were carefully removed — both to preserve and protect them, and to facilitate structural inspections in the search for traces of dry rot (mérule).

Phase 2: Rescue of the building envelope (roof, façades, and structure)

With the château secured, the true restoration work could begin — starting with the façades and the essential structural repairs.

Clearing of the Moat

Clearing the silted-up moat was a crucial step in the restoration project, helping to prevent water infiltration and enabling the installation of scaffolding.

Installation of Scaffolding and Protective Roof

Près Nearly 300 tons of scaffolding were erected on the north wing to allow for its restoration.

A colossal undertaking, accompanied by the installation of a vast protective roof — a “parapluie” — designed to shield the château from the elements.

Roof structure and covering work

The château’s timber frames and roof coverings, both in an advanced state of disrepair, required extensive restoration.
They had to be entirely rebuilt.

Façades Restoration

Cleaning, repair, repointing, and, where necessary, replacement of damaged stones on the château’s façades.

Restoration of the Ridge Finials

All zinc ridge finials were dismantled, moulded, restored or faithfully rebuilt in keeping with their original design.

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Restoration of the Square Tower and the "Salon Observatoire"

The Square Tower — and in particular its Salon Observatoire, adorned with exceptional painted decorations — underwent highly complex restoration work.

Faced with an immediate structural threat, the first priority was to urgently stabilise the building: waterproofing, restoring the roof and timber frame, and consolidating the vaulted ceiling’s structural integrity.

At the same time, major conservation work was carried out on the decorative features: removal of wood panelling, documentation and survey of the painted elements, mouldings and cornices, creation of templates, securing of fragile parts, followed by the full reinstatement of the decor and ornamental plasterwork based on the moulds taken.

Restoration of Ornaments and Sculptures

Chimerae, gargoyles, sculptures, statues, pinnacles and pediments… the Château de Vigny abounds with carved decorative features.

All were cleaned, restored and repaired by master stonemasons, and some were entirely reconstructed from fragments recovered at the bottom of the moats.

In September 2025, a decisive milestone for Château de Vigny: the removal of the last scaffolding on the east wing.

A moment as striking as it is moving, marking a key turning point in the rescue project: the completion of Phase 2 of the exterior restoration.

The next stage – arguably the most ambitious – will be the restoration of the interiors, the safeguarding of the outbuildings, currently in a state of severe disrepair, and the rehabilitation of the park.