Monaco Bolsters Historic Bonds with Funding for Bathernay Museum Dedicated to Ancestral Ties

The Principality of Monaco has reaffirmed its historical bonds with the French village of Bathernay by financially backing the creation of a museum dedicated to Humbert de Bathernay, an influential figure in the French court and a distant ancestor of Prince Albert I. This move is aimed at both preserving and enhancing the shared cultural heritage of Monaco and Bathernay, which stems from familial ties dating back to the late Middle Ages and early modern period, unlike Monaco's feudal connections with other regions.

Humbert de Bathernay, who served as a chamberlain, advisor, and ambassador to French kings from Louis XI to François I, is a significant figure linking the two regions. His lineage intertwined with the Grimaldi dynasty when Françoise de Daon du Lude married Jacques II de Matignon in the 17th century. This historical connection is further highlighted by Prince Albert II's ownership of a bust of Françoise de Daon du Lude, acquired in 2011 and currently housed at the Museum of Fine Arts of Saint-Lô in Normandy.

The village of Bathernay has embarked on a major restoration initiative, including the conservation of its lordly residence and ancient caves. The upcoming museum will be situated within these historical settings and will display archaeological finds, historical artifacts, and feature interactive mapping displays. An open-air theatre with a capacity of 100 seats is also planned, enhancing the cultural infrastructure of the area. The museum's inauguration, expected in 2026 by Prince Albert II, marks a significant step in celebrating and recognizing Bathernay as a Historic Grimaldi Site, a designation it received in May 2023.