Château de la Piscine, 18th century French castle in northern Montpellier, France

Château de la Piscine is an 18th century estate in northern Montpellier built around a central water basin. Lateral pathways frame the composition with monumental vases and sculptures representing the four seasons on either side.

The château was built by architect Jean Antoine Giral for François Gaspard Richer de Belleval and completed in 1771, on the site of the 15th-century mas de la Peyssine, a hunting estate owned by Charles de Boucicot. The Belleval family kept it until 1817; in 1814 Élisa Bacciochi, sister of Napoleon I, rented it for three weeks. In 1893 it was bought by collector Alfred Chaber, when the name became château de la Piscine.

The name comes from the central water basin that forms the heart of the garden design. The formal layout reflects how 18th century nobility expressed their taste through ordered, symmetrical spaces.

The property is private and usually closed to the public, though special occasions like Heritage Days and garden events open it for visits. Plan your visit around these annual occasions to see the grounds and their layout.

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother visited this estate during a private journey to France in 1965. This royal visit connects the site to 20th century European history.