The Castle of Vives Eaux is located in the French town of Dammarie-les-Lys, in the department of Seine-et-Marne. Situated on the banks of the Seine and one and a half kilometers from the magnificent Fontainebleau Forest, the estate enjoys an ideal geographical setting for relaxation, walks, and exploration. It is located 50 km southeast of Paris.
Description of Castle Vives Eaux
The Castle of Vives Eaux, which was destroyed and subsequently rebuilt, now presents its current appearance. It is a large brick building featuring a room on the top floor that opens into the slate roof. The original main building was destroyed by fire in the late nineteenth century but was later reconstructed. Additionally, the estate boasts five pavilions arranged in a horseshoe formation and includes an indoor pool built in the mid-1970s, accessible via a heated underground passage. The Castle of Vives Eaux comprises twenty rooms over an area of 1280m², including private apartments and spaces for seminars and workshops, covering a total area of 3400m². The estate is enveloped by an 18-acre fenced park, designed in 1884, complete with a ground-level terrace, a pleasure garden with irregular paths, a river garden, a waterfall, a cave, a pond, and a vegetable garden with a greenhouse.
History of Castle Vives Eaux
The Castle of Vives Eaux was constructed in the late eighteenth century by the architect Jacques Gondouin, renowned for designing the Faculty of Medicine in Paris. Over the years, the castle has had several owners, including Monsieur de Châteauvillard and Monsieur de Chelaincourt. From 1856 to 1918, the castle was owned by Thérèse Humbert, who was married to Frédéric Humbert, the prefect of Seine-et-Marne from 1889 to 1885. Thérèse, born Daurignac, was central to a financial scandal that nearly destabilized the entire left bank of France. She ascended to the top of the social hierarchy under the motto “I will, I will.” For over 20 years, she lived in deceit, leading some of her creditors to commit suicide or to renounce her, and even pressured the president of the republic to abdicate. Following her bankruptcy, the castle was acquired by Vives Eaux Lopez Perez.
The Main Events of Castle Vives Eaux
The Main Events of the Castle of Vives Eaux
The Castle of Vives Eaux was once proposed to become the national center for Rugby. Then, between October 20, 2001, and February 15, 2008, it was leased by TF1 and Endemol for the production of their TV show, Star Academy. From season 1 to season 7 and including season 8, filming took place within its walls. The castle has hosted several celebrities throughout the filming, including Phil Collins and Mariah Carey, making it a renowned location. However, the tenure of the Star Academy contestants allegedly left the estate in disrepair, as reported by both former and current owners. François Dussault, the site’s owner, has confirmed with the assistance of a bailiff that the production caused damage to the castle, leaving behind broken windows, tagged walls, and sagging floors. The Castle of Vives Eaux is currently a private property, closed to the public and can only be viewed from the outside.
To explore nearby castles, we recommend using our transfer service to the Parisian airport aboard a prestigious car to Castle Vives Eaux. We offer various car services to choose from to meet your expectations. In fact, you can select between a collective shuttle, private car, and VIP luxury car. A driver will be at your disposal during your visit around this magnificent Castle Vives Eaux.
Transfer from the Castle of Vives Eaux to Paris Airports
The Castle of Vives Eaux is inaccurately stated to be 542 km from the city of Paris. In reality, it is significantly closer, located approximately 50 km southeast of Paris. This distance mentioned earlier may refer to a typographical error. The castle is relatively close to Orly Airport, Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Paris Beauvais airport, making it accessible for visitors traveling from or to these airports.
