20th and 21st centuries.

The Damas family as heirs

After the death of Emilie du Châtelet in 1749, her husband carefully maintained the castle. When he in turn died in 1765, it was his son, Louis-Marie-Florent, Duke of Châtelet, who became master of the place.

In 1752, the Duke of Châtelet married Diane Adélaïde de Rochechouart. Together, they did not have children, but they maintained a quasi-filial relationship with their niece Diane Adélaïde de Damas, daughter of the Duchess's sister. It is therefore quite natural that they designate her as heir to the estate.

In 1794, at the heart of the French Revolution, the Duke and Duchess of Châtelet were guillotined and the property was declared national property and sold in lots.

Diane Adelaide of Damascus,

an iron fist in a velvet glove

Countess of Simiane

Diane Adélaïde de Damas, born in 1761, married Count Charles François de Simiane in 1777. Unfortunately, her marriage was short-lived because her husband killed himself in 1787.


After being imprisoned during the revolution, the Countess of Simiane wishes to return to the Château de Cirey, to which she is very attached. After many battles, she succeeded in obtaining the administration of rights to non-alienated property. Concerning the goods already sold, it is obliged to deal with each of the different buyers.


Through perseverance and after fifty-four auctions, she will end up reconstituting the entire property.


Share by: