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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Croissy Castle, also known as the Chanorier Castle, is an emblematic monument of Croissy-sur-Seine, in the Yvelines. Built in the 18th century, it embodies the aristocratic architecture of this period, with a main building erected between 1750 and 1770 for Georges Gougenot de Croissy. This castle, surrounded by a park, reflects the prestige of successive owners, often linked to finance or nobility.

In 1779, the castle passed into the hands of Jean Chanorier, receiver general of finances and last lord of Croissy. In particular, he raised a sheep named Dangorde, anecdotal detail that marked his occupation. In the 19th century, the estate changed hands several times: it belonged first to Jean-Louis Lapeyrière, receiver-general of the Seine and father-in-law of Marshal Bessières, then to the Girod family of Ain in 1824, and finally to Count Jacques Charles Duval of Eprémesnil in 1845. These transitions illustrate the social and economic development of the region.

In 1881 the Auguste-Dormeuil family acquired the castle, which remained in the private giron until the 1930s. On that date, the commune of Croissy-sur-Seine became its owner. The castle, after serving as a school and sports ground, was transformed into cultural equipment in the 1990s. Today, it houses a concert hall and restaurant, while maintaining its status as a protected historical monument since 18 May 1975.

The origins of the castle date back well before the 18th century, with a reconstruction in 1521 for Jean Hennequin, followed by arrangements in the 17th century, like a wall of enclosure and a terrace on the Seine for François de Patrocles. These remains, as well as the dovecote built in 1721, testify to the successive transformations of the estate. The park, partially loti in 1869, saw the creation of Avenue d'Eprémesnil, changing its original landscape.

Ranked for its facades, roofs and a ground floor room having retained its original ceiling and cornice, the Château de Croissy combines architectural heritage and contemporary use. Its history, marked by influential figures and functional adaptations, makes it an emblematic place of Yvelines and Ile-de-France.

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