Once upon a time… a castle

As in every wonderful story, with a happy ending of course, the story of Château de l’Aile is one of glory and defeat. The story begins in 1545: the town’s former covered market, the origin of the word “Aile”, was transformed over the years into an inn, then a cabaret. In 1685, having become a “château d’agrément”, the building became the property of the Couvreu family. Gardens, stables, the creation of a promenade… the site grew in scope. Then Jacques-Édouard Couvreu, who had studied English Gothic Revival art in England, commissioned Philippe Franel – the architect behind the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes in Vevey. The metamorphosis began in 1840: the “chrysalis” château unfurled its wings and became one of the major buildings in Vaud’s neo-Gothic style. But, as time went by and its heirs came and went, it began to falter. Decline followed grandeur. In 2007, the château was sold by the town of Vevey to Bernd Grohe, heir to the German faucet company, whose mother was born in Vaud and who lives on the Riviera. With one imperative: restoration carried out with absolute respect for the original architecture.

Meticulously reviving a forgotten beauty
Ten years of renovation, 90 trades involved: the figures for the work that brought the Château de l’Aile back to life are commensurate with its heritage value as a Swiss cultural asset of national importance. Stone by stone, the dilapidated molasse facade was finally restored to its rich neo-Gothic decor. From the slate roof to the inlaid parquet flooring – some of which was only just saved from the ravages of parasites – the “resur- rection” has respected the heritage of the past down to the last detail. Inside, the ceilings and woodwork have been repainted by hand, using specific paints, and their colors restored to each room, as has the marble-like paintwork in the stairwells, a patient work of goldsmithery. Or the many pieces of metal, locks and forged keys, inseparable from life at the château past and present, faithfully recreated.

A place rooted in local art and culture
Inaugurated in 2017 and used as a reception venue the following year, the château is still undergoing a complete transformation. The “pavilion”, formerly the stables, patiently awaits its turn, and in the meantime lends its walls to visiting artists. For the managers of this historic site are keen to involve it in local cultural life. The château hosted the opening of the Images Vevey festival, and the last Fête des Vignerons in its cellar. Its operators have also joined the committee of the Vibiscum festival, due to open in 2022, transforming the building into a “VIP zone” for modern-day artists such as IAM rappers and DJ Morten. The new history of Château de l’Aile is just beginning!

Three questions for Mariza Durgnat

Manager and events coordinator

What events does Château de l’Aile host?
Its different spaces are ideal for private or professional events, accommodating between 20 and 120 people, or for photo shoots and filming.

What spaces are available?
A cellar and salons can be rented independently or together. Other highlights include a veranda, turrets, inner courtyard and, of course, gardens.

To get a taste of château life, can you stay overnight?
Exactly. On the first floor, there’s an apartment available for stays of three consecutive nights or more. In addition, during 2023, we will be offering rooms on the 2nd floor, with all the comforts of a hotel service.

Curiosities of yesterday and today

There are no light switches in this château. But no old-fashioned candles for lighting, either! To avoid any contemporary intrusion on the walls, the lights are controlled via discreet terminals, also equipped with speakers and microphones for high-tech comfort. Another astonishing fact: the building is equipped with a central air heating system – a period feature. Air is distributed throughout the building from the boiler room, before being recovered to the extent of one third.