La Garde-Guerin, a medieval village, is a historical gem that seamlessly combines authenticity and reverence for cultural heritage. Here’s a brief overview of its history and restoration.
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La Garde-Guerin, a medieval village, is a historical gem that seamlessly combines authenticity and reverence for cultural heritage. Here’s a brief overview of its history and restoration. |
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Around 1912, Mr. Nodet, an architect from the Historical Monuments department in Montpellier, discovered La Garde-Guerin. He sent the first official report to the Fine Arts Administration in Paris, describing it as a fortified village deserving restoration.
On November 30, 1929, an official decree was issued, classifying the entire village of La Garde-Guerin, including the keep, castle, and St. Michel church, as historical monuments.
In 1935, significant repairs were undertaken by the Fine Arts Directorate at the church and castle, focusing on the restoration of the church. In the crypt beneath the choir, bones were discovered—possibly those of noble consuls from La Garde—which were then transferred to the parish cemetery by Abbot Negron.
Fast forward to 1965, when Rene Schmitt, an architect from the French Buildings Department in Lozere, expressed concern about the village’s state of decay and depopulation. He submitted a report to the Architecture Directorate in Paris. In October, he convened a meeting with local dignitaries, including elected officials and administrative representatives, in Villefort on November 14, 1965. Following this meeting, the decision was made to establish the Association for the Preservation of La Garde-Guerin.
In 1970, as part of the government’s 101 environmental measures, La Garde-Guerin became a pilot village. Under the guidance of Michel Denieul, Director of Architecture, who visited the site, restoration and enhancement efforts were organized. These efforts received simultaneous financial support from three ministries: Culture, Agriculture, and Infrastructure. Other entities involved in relevant operations included EDF (Electricite de France), PTT (Postes, Telegraphes et Telephones), SAFER (Societe d’Amenagement Foncier et d’Établissement Rural), and the Intercommunal Syndicate.
The Association for the Preservation of La Garde-Guerin, established on May 18, 1967, embarked on a forward-looking study regarding the architectural and economic future of this village. Their initial steps included parcel surveys, contacting all property owners, gathering project information, and conducting market research for a potential inn, among other activities. The association provided support to Mr. Schmitt, who was responsible for coordinating the financial plan and overseeing the necessary work. These efforts span various domains, considering both architectural and economic/touristic interests.
Architectural Domain:
Economic Domain:
The transformation of the Pansier House into an Hotel-Auberge has created a hub of activity in the village. Since 1969, the Presbytery has been home to the “Pariers de La Garde” Association, which brings together high school and university students from Paris. These students, along with their chaplain, Father Alain de La Morandais, participate in the renovation of the presbytery, archaeological excavations, and the restoration of the castle’s underground chambers. They also provide a warm welcome to visitors in the village and contribute to liturgical and cultural activities for a period of ten years.
In 1979, the Association for the Preservation of La Garde-Guerin dissolved, recognizing that its primary mission was largely complete. However, the administrators expressed their desire to pass the torch to the village residents themselves.
November 1981. The GARDE Association, a group dedicated to the improvement, renovation, development, and maintenance of Garde-Guerin, was established. It published several brochures about the village’s history and contributed over the years to funding various projects in the village:
Since 1983, Alain Laurans, a documentalist at the Archives of Mende, has conducted excavation surveys in the seigneurial residence of the castle. These surveys involved clearing debris from the XVII-XX centuries, analyzing the layer of destruction beneath which the black layer appears (the last trace of the 1722 fire), and restoring the dividing wall and the enclosure wall.
In 1988, in collaboration with Mr. Verrot, an architect from the French Buildings Department in Mende, and Mr. Le Maire de Prevencheres, the GARDE Association decided to undertake restoration and protection work on the architectural heritage and environment of La Garde-Guerin over several years. These efforts were funded by the French Buildings Department, the Prevencheres municipality, the GARDE Association (for the initial phase), the Department, and the region.
Summer 1989: The northern breach of the rampart, which was at risk of collapsing, was closed.
In the same summer of 1989, the French Buildings Department and the Prevencheres municipality took charge of reconstructing the framework of the presbytery and covering it with Lauzes (slate tiles). They also funded work carried out at the village school during the autumn of 1989 and spring of 1990:
During summer 1990, the rampart on the right side of the main village entrance was restored along a length of 50 meters.
In the winter of 1990-1991, the interior facing of the northern rampart was repaired. The first two phases of work successfully restored the most damaged section of the rampart and reestablished continuity on the village side. Additional restoration and utility work are planned for the future.
Bibliography
Various brochures published about La Garde-Guerin by the GARDE Association.
We extend special thanks to Abbe Pierre Peyre, Curator of the Mende Museum, and Abbe Jean Roux, the priest of Vialas, both passionate about regional history, who assisted us in creating this brochure.
The G.A.R.D.E Association (Group for the Improvement, Renovation, Development, and Maintenance of La Garde-Guerin) brings together well-intentioned residents and visitors of this village. Alongside the French authorities and local officials, they have embarked on a multi-year program of restoration and maintenance for the village. This brochure aims to share the history of La Garde-Guerin and also contribute to funding future projects. If you wish to support our efforts and receive regular updates, please feel free to do so.
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