- Description of castle Guermantes
- History of the Château de Guermantes
- The milestones Castle Guermantes
- Musts of Château de Guermantes
Description of castle Guermantes
The Château de Guermantes, situated in the town of Guermantes in Seine-et-Marne, Ile-de-France, is approximately 30 minutes from Paris and Roissy Charles de Gaulle. This estate exemplifies the art of French living in a remarkable way. Currently, it is closed to the general public and dedicated exclusively to seminars and private events.
Built in a classical architectural style, the Château de Guermantes, also known as “the beautiful useless,” was adorned by Robert de Cotte, the chief architect of the king. He was inspired by the ornaments of the Hall of Mirrors to design the palace. The château greets its visitors with the full splendor of the Enlightenment era. The property encompasses 66 rooms, several salons, and numerous meeting rooms, all benefiting from natural daylight. Beyond the main building, the Guermantes estate includes several outbuildings, a dovecote, and a comprehensive set of farm buildings that are directly associated with the château. The walls of the Violle-le-Duc pavilions, which encircle the castle, are ornately decorated and have been meticulously preserved since 1633. The Italian rotunda room and its paintings, dating back to 1645, are a testament to the rich history and artistic heritage of the estate.
History of the Château de Guermantes
The Château de Guermantes, with its rich history, has been a prominent landmark since the mid-sixteenth century when it belonged to the Viola family. The initial construction was spearheaded by Claude Viola, an ordinary teacher in the room counts, who was responsible for erecting the main body and two side wings of the castle, all covered with traditional French frames. In 1633, the estate, including the Château de Guermantes, was gifted as a wedding present to Pierre Viola, a speaker of Paris known for his rebellious nature. He continued the castle’s construction, earning the title “Lord of Guermantes onetime The Way.” This phase saw the reconstruction of two-storey houses with dislocated attics.
In 1698, Paulin Laying, the Receiver General of Finance in Lyon and a significant figure in the French Chancery, acquired the castle and its lands. By 1713, he became the President of the Court of counts, known as Guermantes Laying. He employed several architects to modernize the castle, with the entrance designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the internal staircase by Pierre Cotte, and the gallery of the chapel and the facades by Perrault. The park was beautifully landscaped by André Le Nôtre. In late November 1719, the Scottish financier John Law took possession of the estate. Over the years, the Château de Guermantes changed hands multiple times until it was requisitioned by the German army during World War II.
The milestones Castle Guermantes
Acquired in 2008, the Château de Guermantes underwent significant redevelopment to transform it into an international seminar center. This renovation aimed to preserve the historical essence while modernizing the facilities for contemporary use.
Musts of Château de Guermantes
The Château de Guermantes, a notable attraction in the town of Guermantes, offers an ideal setting for important meetings, steering committees, and management training for international teams. The Château provides comfortable and elegant spaces suited for various events. Outside the main building, a range of activities are available in the gardens designed by Le Nôtre. Guests can engage in archery, volleyball, football, bowls, and numerous other entertainments.
To appreciate the exterior of the Château de Guermantes, tourists can utilize a transfer service. Visit the Château de Guermantes by private shuttle during your stay in France. Our company offers a diverse selection of transportation options to facilitate your travel. You can choose from a collective shuttle, a private car, or a luxury VIP car, all accompanied by skilled drivers to enhance your journey.