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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Rivière, located in Pontgouin en Eure-et-Loir, was built at the beginning of the seventeenth century by Étienne II d'Aligre, chancellor of France removed from office in 1626. He used materials from the demolition of the chateau de la Plesse and the brown sandstone of the bishop of Chartres. The central body, completed in 1629, was completed by his son Stephen III, who built a channel fed by the Eure and enlarged the estate.

The family of Aligre, a powerful robe dynasty serving the Bourbons, kept the castle for three centuries. Stephen II and his son Stephen III, both chancellors, marked the history of the place. The park, structured by alleys and gardens, was enlarged in the 18th century by Étienne-François d的Aligre, while the Revolution spared the estate thanks to legal and family maneuvers.

In the 20th century, the castle changed hands several times: bought in 1928 by Daniel Jour, then restored by Maurice Mizraki, it then became a residence for movie personalities under the property of Albert Courtine (1954-2009). Since 2009, Édouard de Vitry has been carrying out major restoration work, restoring the park and buildings to their radiance.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1987, the castle is distinguished by its dry moat, its dovecote with 940 bolts, and its symmetrical commons. Two 17th century parks remain, crossed by a decorative canal. The interiors, partially open to the public, house 17th century woodwork and family portraits.

The history of the castle is inextricably linked to that of the d'Aligres, whose members, like Étienne-Jean-François-Charles, sail between exiles and restorations to preserve their heritage. Today, the estate combines architectural heritage and restored landscapes, testifying to four centuries of French history.

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