Helping Castles Survive: Events as a Lifeline
Romane Bonleu Fondatrice Delys Event Agency- Apr 18
- 3 min read
The majestic silhouettes of castles still punctuate our landscapes, immutable witnesses to a glorious past and an invaluable cultural heritage. Yet, behind these centuries-old walls often lies a far more fragile reality. The owners of these architectural gems face a silent battle: that of economic survival. And in this struggle, events could well be the key to preventing the collapse of these historical treasures.
The Weight of Loads: A Silent Burden
Owning a château is a responsibility that is both noble and overwhelming. A historic monument is not just a residence; it is a living, breathing entity that deteriorates and requires constant care.
The charges are dizzying:
Building maintenance: Roofs, facades, woodwork, everything requires regular restoration.
Heating: Heating a castle is like heating the past, costing thousands of euros each winter.
Insurance: Covering a listed or semi-listed building is an expense in itself.
Parks and gardens: Their maintenance requires time, equipment and personnel.
Property and housing taxes: Even if exemptions exist, the amounts remain high.
Staggering figures: According to a study by Demeure Historique, an association that supports castle owners, maintenance costs can reach €100,000 per year for an average-sized residence. In this context, seasonal rentals are often no longer sufficient.
The Rental: A Double-Edged Sword
Renting out your castle for events may seem like a miracle solution. Weddings, seminars, filming—there's no shortage of requests. But this source of income comes with its own challenges:
Breakage: Broken glass, scratched parquet floors, stained wallpaper... Damage is inevitable.
Deposits: Requiring a high deposit may deter clients or lead to post-event disputes.
ERP (Public Access Establishment) standards: To host events, castles must comply with strict regulations (accessibility, fire safety), often costly and complex work which can also spoil a place.
Inspiring testimony: Marie de Saint-Clair, owner of the Château de la Rochefort, confides:
“After a lavish wedding, an antique fireplace cracked. I hesitated to withhold the deposit, but chose not to do so to avoid negative reviews. Sometimes preserving your castle's reputation is worth more than an immediate repair.”
Events: A Viable Lifeline
Despite these obstacles, events remain a valuable solution for preserving heritage. They allow for diversified revenues while bringing these venues to life in a new way.
Weddings: A castle offers a unique atmosphere, and couples are willing to invest in a magical setting.
Corporate seminars: In an era where team-building is king, a castle offers a timeless setting to stimulate creativity.
Immersive experiences: Organizing garden treasure hunts, historical dinners, or themed weekends can appeal to a wide audience.
Success story: Gudanes Castle in Ariège was saved thanks to events and retreats organized by its Australian owners. They transformed the ruins into a popular place for creative retreats, helping to fund the renovation work.
An Uncertain Future: 50 Years to Save Our Castles
At this rate, how many castles will still be standing in 50 years? Without viable solutions, France risks losing part of its identity. Events, while not a solution to everything, offer a chance to keep these places alive.
By organizing events in these historic buildings, we're not just renting a space; we're contributing to the preservation of a living heritage. It's a chain of solidarity where every wedding, every seminar, every reception becomes an act of preservation.
Delys Event Agency: A Key Partner for Combining Events and Preservation
Unlike a simple service company, Delys Event Agency positions itself as a true value-added solution for castles. Events and rentals are closely linked: the majority of requests for castle rentals come from events such as weddings, birthdays or seminars. By collaborating with Delys Event Agency, owners can not only attract new clients thanks to an active network and regular requests, but also guarantee controlled management of their events . Indeed, our presence as an event partner on site helps to limit damage, ensure a smooth and professional process, and preserve the integrity of the place. It is therefore a global solution that combines heritage enhancement, security and serenity , serving a common mission: to bring castles to life today so that they will still exist tomorrow.
Do you own a castle or estate? Do you know someone who does? Don't hesitate to contact us. As castle owners ourselves, we understand better than anyone the constraints and challenges associated with event rentals. With more than 50 partner castles today , our expertise will allow you to attract new clients while renting with complete peace of mind . Join a community committed to promoting living heritage.
Comments