The story
The Mont-Renaud Estate
The Municipality of Boncourt
Perched on the heights above Boncourt, the Mont-Renaud Estate has watched over the Jura landscape for nearly a century. Surrounded by forests and pastures, and offering sweeping views of the Vosges Mountains, this historic property has witnessed the passage of industrialists, travelers, and ambitious human endeavors.
Born from the vision of the Burrus family, whose history is deeply intertwined with Boncourt and the Jura tobacco industry, the estate has journeyed through the decades while preserving its unique spirit: that of a place for gathering, heritage, and serenity.
Construction of the Mont-Renaud Estate — circa 1930
The Mont-Renaud Estate was built around 1930 at the initiative of Léon Burrus, a member of the renowned Burrus family, known for its tobacco business and its significant economic influence in the Ajoie region. The property was conceived as a prestigious country estate overlooking Boncourt.
The architecture of the main residence draws inspiration from Place des Vosges, reflecting the spirit of the works of François Mansart. Its design features a classical, harmonious, and perfectly symmetrical composition.
Today, the Estate comprises:
- the Main Residence
- the Gatehouse
- the Rotunda
- the Orangery
- the Cedar Grove
- the Shepherd’s House
The entire property originally extended across approximately 18 hectares of parkland overlooking the valley, with panoramic views of the French Vosges Mountains.
The Burrus Family and Boncourt
To understand the Mont-Renaud Estate, one must first understand the profound influence of the Burrus family on the history of Boncourt.
From the nineteenth century onward, the Burrus family developed the local tobacco industry through F.J. Burrus, a company that later became associated with British American Tobacco. This industry left a lasting mark on the region, shaping:
- the local economy,
- urban development,
- social infrastructure,
- and the cultural life of Boncourt.
Later, Charles Burrus would play a pivotal role in the transformation of the estate, guiding it toward projects with a strong social and international vocation.
The Domaine de Guilé
After significant transformation and renovation around the year 2000, the estate was entrusted by Charles Burrus to the Fondation Guilé. It then took on the name “Domaine de Guilé.”
The Fondation Guilé established an international centre for social studies and reflection focused on:
- human rights,
- corporate responsibility of multinational companies,
- labour standards,
- economic transparency,
- and the fight against corruption.
Between 2006 and 2016, the estate became a widely recognised venue for international meetings and discussions on business ethics. Experts, academics, and representatives from the economic world were regularly welcomed on site.
The Foundation’s mission officially came to an end in early 2017.
Donation to the Fondation Les Castors
n 2018, the Burrus family donated the Mont-Renaud Estate to the Fondation Les Castors, thereby continuing a long-standing tradition of social engagement and philanthropy that has defined the family across several generations.
This transition aimed to give the estate a new purpose through the development of an inclusive hotel and restaurant, where excellence in hospitality is combined with values of solidarity and social inclusion.
The Fondation Les Castors is thus developing an ambitious project that promotes employment and skills development for people with disabilities across all areas of hospitality, including:
- hospitality management,
- food and beverage services,
- reception and guest services,
- event organisation,
- estate maintenance and operations.
While preserving the heritage character and exceptional history of the site, the Mont-Renaud Estate continues its human vocation, becoming a place of encounter, sharing, and inclusion—faithful to the values that have always guided its successive owners.
The Estate Today
Today, the Mont-Renaud Estate operates as a refined and versatile destination combining several functions:
- a charming hotel and private residence,
- a seminar and conference centre,
- a venue for private and professional events.
The estate offers around a dozen guest rooms, meeting and conference facilities, as well as extensive landscaped grounds. It remains widely recognised in the region for its exceptional setting and strong heritage value.
The name “Mont-Renaud” also refers to the hill overlooking Boncourt, where a panoramic tower was built in 2001, offering sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.
The “Monsieur Léon” Restaurant
In 2026, a new chapter begins with the opening of the “Monsieur Léon” restaurant, a direct tribute to Léon Burrus.
The project highlights:
- bistronomic cuisine inspired by the Jura region,
- produce from the estate,
- short supply chains and local sourcing,
- and the integration of employees with disabilities into all areas of service.
Through this evolution, the Mont-Renaud Estate continues to strengthen its identity as a place where hospitality, heritage, and human values come together.
