This video takes viewers through the history and exploration of the famous château used for the Star Academy show, as well as the experiences of the narrator and their friends when they attempted to explore it in 2021.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the video:
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Historical Background: The château was originally built between 1760 and 1780 by the architect of King Louis XV for his personal use. It was white initially, but after being destroyed during WWI, it was rebuilt with red bricks. In 2001, TF1 rented it to shoot Star Academy, a famous French reality show. It was the setting for seasons 1 to 7 and helped launch stars like Jennifer, Nolwenn Leroy, and Grégory Lemarchal.
State of the Château Post-Show: After the show ended in 2008, the château was sold but was left in poor condition due to damages incurred during the show’s production. The new owner discovered significant deterioration, including moldy floors, graffiti, and broken windows. Attempts at renovation were made but were interrupted by the COVID pandemic.
Exploring the Château in 2021: In 2021, the narrator, along with friends, visited the château to explore it. The property was private, and though it appeared abandoned, it was still maintained, with the grounds being taken care of. The group did not realize the château was under surveillance, with cameras and guard dogs present. An alarm triggered during their exploration, leading them to quickly flee.
Personal Connection: Even though the narrator wasn’t a Star Academy fan, they were moved by the history of the place, especially when they found graffiti and messages left by fans of Grégory Lemarchal, a popular contestant who passed away. The narrator shared their emotional reaction to these remnants, reflecting on how the château had become a site of personal connection for many fans over the years.
The video concludes with the narrator reflecting on their visit and hinting that they would love to return if the château ever becomes open for visits again, especially since it was being renovated and restored.