Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Vaux-sur-Seine, located in the Yvelines, finds its origins in the Middle Ages as a stronghold dependent on the lord of Meulan. In the 15th century, Louis XI offered his advisor Olivier le Daim, who transformed him by retaining defensive elements such as the drawbridge and round towers. These medieval structures, still visible today, bear witness to its strategic role during the Hundred Years War.

Acquired in 1819 by Vincenzo Marochetti, lawyer and mayor of Vaux-sur-Seine, the castle then passed to his son, sculptor Carlo Marochetti. The latter, author of major works such as the bas-relief of the Arc de Triomphe or the altar of the Madeleine, rearranged the castle in the 19th century. He adds a building body and decorates it with his sculptures, as well as artistic uses (tapisseries, leathers, round-bosses). The estate becomes a meeting place for personalities such as Rossini, Saint-Saëns or Camillo Cavour.

Listed as a historic monument in 1996, 2019 and 2020, the castle preserves an 11 hectare park with gazebo, vegetable garden and orchard. In 2011, archaeological excavations were carried out, and in 2012 he obtained the label Maisons des Illustres. The site, still owned by the Marochetti family, combines medieval heritage and 19th century artistic heritage, reflecting the evolution of tastes throughout the centuries.

The current protections cover the facades, roofs, remarkable interiors (Chassions Room, first floor corridor) and the walled park. The ensemble illustrates both the 16th century defensive architecture and the aesthetic transformations carried out by the Marochetti, father and son, both sculptors. The large corridor on the first floor is particularly emblematic of 19th-century eclecticism.

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