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Origin and history

The Château du Fayel, located in the Oise, was built between 1650 and 1655 by architect Jacques Bruant for Philippe de La Mothe-Houdancourt, Marshal of France and Viceroy of Catalonia. The latter, from a noble family, inherited the seigneury of the Fayel via his brother Daniel, bishop of Mende, who had acquired it in 1627. The castle, of classic brick and stone style, is distinguished by its central body and its two wings in return, typical of 17th century architecture.

In 1656, the castle hosted an important event: Queen Christine of Sweden stayed there, accompanied by Louis XIV, Anne of Austria and Mazarin. This gathering illustrates the political and social importance of the place at that time. The interior, renovated in the eighteenth century, preserves traces of this prestigious past. The park, designed by André Le Nôtre, famous landscaper of Versailles, completes the ensemble with geometric perspectives still visible today.

After the death of Philippe de La Mothe-Houdancourt, the castle passed into the hands of several members of his family: his eldest daughter, the Duchess of Aumont, sold it in 1682 to his uncle Henri, archbishop of Auch. The estate then passed on to Jérôme de La Mothe-Houdancourt, bishop of Saint-Flour, then to Charles, governor of Corbie, and finally to Louis Charles, Marshal of France, before being inherited by the Marquise of Gamaches. Subsequently, the castle was transferred by succession to the families of Héricy and Cossé-Brissac.

The Château du Fayel is listed in two stages: in 1947 for the castle and its pavilion, then in 1980 for its communes. This protection underscores its architectural and historical value, linked to its architect Jacques Bruant, also known for the Pavillon des Drapiers in Paris. The building, surrounded by its French park, remains a remarkable testimony of the aristocratic art of living of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

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