A fortress first appeared on this site in 987, during the age of Hugh Capet, king of the Franks. Indeed, it was a popular place for the French kings to visit: King Louis XI often stayed here in the 15th century, as well as King Henri IV in the 16th.

By the 18th century Claude-Louis Lombard, the lord of the castle, changed its structure profoundly from its fortress origins to a grand home suitable for the tastes of the Enlightenment. A tower was pulled down, larger windows set in, and sides extended. In 1763 the marquis René Louis de Girardin took ownership of the property and modernized the interiors and landscaped the surrounding park, creating an extensive English garden. His guest lists included such luminaries as Marie Antoinette, Gustav III of Sweden, and Benjamin Franklin. Jean-Jacque Rousseau died here in 1778 and was buried on a small island in the lake before being transferred sixteen years later to the Pantheon in Paris.

Since that time the property has changed hands a number of times. Complicated families, squabbling heirs, and economic downturns left it in a state of neglect with its contents auctioned off and land parcels sold. During World War II the Germans occupied the the castle. Before opening as a hotel, the castle served as a retirement home and even a Hari Krishna retreat.

Pamela’s Perspective

You don’t often see these kind of old style hotels anymore. People either love the vibe from another age or hate the lack of modern fixtures and furnishings.

The château is located about 20 minutes by car from Charles de Gaulle Airport, which makes it a more interesting option than staying at an airport hotel.