Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Yerres illustrates the importance of the seigneury of Yerres during the Middle Ages and its close link with the crown of France. The current remains reveal several phases of construction, with elements of the twelfth century still visible, such as the circular enclosure and a seigneurial house organized according to a traditional plan (room-chamber-chapel). These architectural traces attest to its central role in the region from that time on.

In the 15th century and in the first half of the 16th century, the castle underwent significant changes, reflecting the evolution of seigneurial needs and architectural styles. The Budé family, the owner of the seigneury from the end of the 14th century, is particularly significant in its history. Guillaume Budé, a renowned Hellenist and major figure of the French Renaissance, was related to this lineage. His intellectual heritage, linked to the creation of the National Library and the Collège de France, adds an exceptional cultural dimension to the monument.

A last campaign of work, carried out during the 4th quarter of the 18th century, finished shaping the present aspect of the castle. Although partially transformed, the site retains valuable medieval elements, offering tangible testimony of nearly seven centuries of history. Its registration as a Historic Monument in 2013 is a celebration of its heritage value, protecting all remains and their original enclosure.

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