Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Fontenelle Castle, located in Chanteloup-en-Brie in Seine-et-Marne, is a medieval building surrounded by moats fed by the Gasset Rû. Its architecture consists of two towers and a central body, with a slate roof and a park of centuries-old specimens. Accessible by a stone bridge and another carved metal, this private castle, not open to the public, combines defensive elegance and preserved natural surroundings.

The origins of the castle date back to the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the mention of Pierre, knight of Chanteloup on a 13th century bell, identified as lord of Fontenelle. This place is also marked by historical figures: it was the home of photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004), co-founder of Magnum agency, and welcomed Monsignor Roncalli, future Pope John XXIII, during a stay on May 23, 1952. These elements highlight its dual heritage, both medieval and modern.

Strategically located 29 km from Paris and less than 5 km from Disneyland Paris, the castle enjoys a privileged location, between historical heritage and contemporary dynamism. Close to the ValdEurope shopping centre and the Outlet shopping La Vallée Village, it embodies a contrast between the quietness of a private monument and the economic effervescence of the Marne-la-Vallée. The moat and park, always maintained, recall its past role as a fortress and seigneurial residence.

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