The Émile Louis Orphanage, built in 1906, has had a turbulent history since its construction. Originally intended to house orphans, it quickly faced financial difficulties, worsened during World War I. During this conflict, the orphanage and its owner accumulated significant debts.
In 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, the orphanage was abandoned and requisitioned by the Germans to serve as a detention camp. After the war, it came under the responsibility of the national education system, becoming a training center for future sports teachers. However, in 1947, it was abandoned again.
In 1952, it was assigned a new role as part of a group of University Hospital Centers (CHU). It mainly operated as a retirement home, also hosting convalescent patients. However, maintenance and heating costs became prohibitive, and it was abandoned in 1992.
Since then, the castle has remained abandoned, and its state of decay has significantly worsened. However, the site is now under surveillance and has been condemned, making any visit dangerous and illegal.
