Aubéry Castle

The Chateau Aubery: A Historic Monument

Formerly known as Maison Rivail, this immense and luxurious estate was the former property of the sugar plantation owner Eugène Aubéry and his family, built in 1928 in Croix-Rivail in Le Lamentin. Coming from modest beginnings, Aubéry rose through the ranks thanks to his marriage. Indeed, his wife was none other than Berthe Hayot, daughter of Gabriel Hayot, the wealthiest sugar plantation owner on the island.

Originally spanning nearly 5 hectares, including gardens and a poultry yard, the land previously belonged to the Lareinty factory. When the Aubéry family moved in in 1931, it underwent a change in denomination, becoming a chateau. Laden with history as well as mystery, the Chateau Aubery has been classified as a historic monument since 1992.

The Mystery Surrounding the Manor Known as Chateau Aubery

With its art deco and neoclassical style, the Maison Rivail was designed by the architect Germain Olivier, Bolesco, and the Italian contractor Volpi, constructed between 1928 and 1930. This grand, oversized building spread across 4 floors boasts no less than 30 rooms.

It was abruptly abandoned in 1942, following the death of Eugène Aubéry. His widow and their eight children then deserted the Chateau Aubery.

Two theories clashed at that time: Aubéry's wife, after her husband's death, was no longer able to afford and maintain such a place on her own, while others swore that the house was actually haunted, making it impossible for the family to continue residing there peacefully!

The General Council of Martinique became the owner shortly after and welcomed the Normal School in 1956, then an agricultural school. As years went by, the deteriorated and abandoned building was sold for a symbolic 1 franc to the commune of Ducos in 1987.

Nobody seemed eager to stay in this seemingly cursed place. After changing hands multiple times, the estate officially became the property of the Byron family. The house suffered significant degradation due to weathering and its unsuitable construction materials being eroded by salt.

Due to rehabilitation work, visits to Chateau Aubery are not permitted. Only a few photos and videos remain to testify to the state of the place.

The connection between the Aubéry family and the tragic fate of André Aliker

The surname “Aubéry” may indeed sound familiar to some, but for those to whom it means nothing, it is, according to historians, highly controversial! The patriarch of the family, Eugène, is suspected of having orchestrated the murder of André Aliker, a famous activist and journalist for the communist magazine Justice. in 1934. Aliker was found tied up and lifeless in the municipality of Case-Pilote, Martinique, and his death remains a great mystery to this day! His disappearance had a profound impact and sparked widespread outrage throughout the island.

At that time, Eugène Aubéry was embroiled in turmoil as this wealthy and powerful figure on the island was accused of tax fraud and corruption. Aliker exposed this in his journal, and Aubéry attempted to bribe him to buy his silence. This anecdote, too, made its way into the article! In November 1933, in front of his entire family, the reporter was beaten, and on January 1, 1934, on the eve of the new year, he was kidnapped, bound, and thrown into the sea. He miraculously survived, but less than two weeks later, he was attacked and tied up again. This time, he did not survive.