Freÿr Castle with its magnificent gardens in the style of Le Nôtre is located on the left bank of the Meuse. It is one of the most interesting and scenic natural sites in Belgium. It has been classified as one of the main heritage sites of Wallonia.
Castle of Freÿr History
The Renaissance-style former summer residence of the Dukes of Beaufort-Spontin welcomes visitors to its classic interior, furnished and decorated for 20 generations who have lived in these places to this day.
The castle is representative of the interior of an 18th century noble summer residence. It features many original features such as the impressive main hall with Frans Snyders murals and a ceiling covered with Louis XV frescoes, or the chapel with its Regency wood paneling and its Baroque altar.
The gardens, designed in the style of André Le Nôtre in 1760 by the canon Guillaume de Beaufort-Spontin and enlarged by his brother Philippe in 1770, are arranged on terraces on the left bank of the Meuse. They offer a view towards the woods to the north and towards the Meuse a east, and their peace and serenity contrast with the bare rock face on the opposite bank.
Ponds, fountains and water features murmur on the lower floor where centenary oranges spread their delicate scent. The trees came to Freÿr in the early part of the 18th century from Lunéville, the residence of the Duke of Lorraine.
Freÿr Castle has been visited by several royal figures, such as Louis XIV, Stanislas Leszczynski, Maria-Christina of Austria and, more recently, Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan.
The castle is still inhabited by the descendants of the Dukes of Beaufort-Spontin, the families of Baron Bonaert and the Count of Laubespin.