If the imposing arcades visible from the school path previously attracted the attention of walkers by their dilapidation and their state of disrepair, today, it is following a successful restoration that everyone can admire one of the elements. of the Justinian heritage. These three arcades date back to a period estimated between 1840 and 1850, but the occupation of the place is much older.
A renovation during the Empire
“In the 17th century, the town had eight identified agricultural estates, three of which are declared to be outbuildings of the Château de Saint-Just (built around 1650), explains Jacques Bautain, a Justinois passionate about local history. These are the Domaine de la Croix, the Domaine de Pombeau, and the Domaine des Fougères. The stones which made it possible to erect these arcades still in place certainly come from one of the buildings of the Château de Saint-Just. We can legitimately attribute the deep restructuring of the estates to Claude Picquet, former owner, who had a brilliant military career during the Empire. He transformed the castle, moved the main building up one floor and created an access tower to the upper floors. He took advantage of the recovery of demolition materials from the building with the seven arcades of the main courtyard of the castle to renovate the Domaine des Fougères. “
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Lighting to highlight them
The former mayor, Jean Pichet and his team, whatever the various restructuring projects, have always wanted to keep these arcades, today it is done. “When we bought the land to build our home, we had an obligation not to demolish these arcades,” explains the new owner of the premises. I know their history. Given their condition we had to have them restored. Fifteen days of work were necessary. Soon, we will put some lighting in order to highlight them. Many walkers watch them, and as my land is not yet closed, some unscrupulous do not hesitate to come back to admire them more closely! “
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