Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Grange, located in Yerres en Essonne, finds its origins in an estate mentioned as early as 1389 as a wood cleared by a Parisian religious community. In the 16th century, a fortified farm was built there, before Charles Duret, heir to the estate under Henry IV, erected the present castle in 1617. A cave decorated with shells was added to the moats in 1635, marking the first aesthetic transformations of the site.

Around 1740, the keeper of the Royal Treasure Pierre Nicolas Gaudion, owner of the premises, arranged the interior by decorator Gilles Marie Oppennord, inventing the pink living room in the rock style (Louis XV). In 1748, Marshal Maurice de Saxony acquired the castle and added a large gallery, before his death in 1750. The estate, with an area of 1,200 hectares, then passed into the hands of influential families, such as the Gourgaud (Mayors of Yerres) and Chevreau, until 1990.

During the Second World War, the castle was requisitioned by the Germans: the gallery became a repair shop for aircraft engines, while the floors housed officers. Returned in 1942, he was released by the 2nd American Armoured Division in August 1944, an episode marked by the tribute of General Patton to the American citizen Baroness Gourgaud. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1971, the castle is now a prestigious hotel, preserving its architectural and landscape heritage.

The architecture of the castle, in the shape of "U" with low wings and commons in "L", combines brick and stone. The park, combining French-style gardens and romantic perspectives, includes a water room and a forecourt framed with pavilions. The 17th century cave and interior decorations (golden lounge, large gallery) testify to its stylistic evolution, from classicism to rock.

The estate, registered in 1960 and classified in 1971, protects its facades, roofs, moats, and remarkable interior elements. After 2000, its conversion into a hotel (Château du Maréchal de Saxone) ensured its sustainability, while opening its spaces to the public, thus perpetuating five centuries of local and national history.

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