Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Villiers Castle, located in Cerny, Essonne, is a monument whose exact origin remains uncertain. A popular belief attributed its foundation to Alix de Champagne, who would have incorporated him into the crown of France by his marriage to Louis VII in 1165. However, this hypothesis is contested by historians, who believe that there is no tangible evidence to confirm such an ancient origin. The first reliable records of the castle date back to the beginning of the 14th century, when it belonged to John of Ormoy.

Over the centuries, Villiers Castle has changed hands several times, often linked to prominent figures in French history. In 1479 Louis XI offered in fief to his barber, Olivier Le Daim, an influential figure in the court. After the confiscation of the latter's property in 1484, the castle passed into the hands of the family of Foix-Navarre, before being sold to Guillaume de Croÿ. In 1528 Jean de Selve, the first president of the Paris Parliament, became its owner, and his family kept it for nearly four centuries until 1894.

The castle has also undergone architectural and functional changes. The undergrounds still keep traces of the prisons installed by Olivier Le Daim, with cachots equipped with large windows and locks. The park, on the other hand, was built according to the plans of Paul de Lavenne de Chulot, a renowned 19th-century landscaper whose innovative methods marked the art of the gardens of the time.

In the 20th century, Villiers Castle continued to evolve, passing into the hands of several owners, including artist Philippe Clay (1959-2001). After a complete restoration between 2001 and 2011 by the Lelevé family, it became a place dedicated to the event, welcoming weddings, seminars and celebrations. Since 2013, it has been owned by a member of the Mulliez family, perpetuating this vocation.

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