Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Janvry, located 27 km southwest of Paris in the Hurepoix, was built between 1600 and 1650 in a Louis XIII style. Its asymmetrical architecture, typical of the time, includes a central body flanked by wings and surrounded by moat. The estate, acquired by André Haudry in the 18th century, remained in his family until the French Revolution, during which time it was looted and its archives destroyed. The traces of his occupation by German, English and French troops during the Second World War (1939-1945) remained, such as wall inscriptions or degradations.

After the war, Baron Jean Victor Reille undertook important restoration work (roof, electricity, running water) with his wife Liliane. Their son, Ghislain Reille, continued these efforts in the 1980s. The castle, which was listed as a historic monument in 1981 for its facades, roofs and moats, served exceptionally as a decoration for cinematographic productions (e.g.: The Holy Family, 2019) or music (Fly High of Dreamcatcher, 2017). Today, the private estate hosts events and hunting, although its 14-hectare park, stables and unrestored jails still bear witness to its past.

The castle is distinguished by its "U" plan around a square courtyard, its historic gangway of poplars (now grassy), and remarkable elements such as a 17th century cooler or unexplored underground tunnels. The vaulted cellar, formerly dedicated to the storage of wines and ciders, and the original well always functional complete this heritage. Despite its inscription, the castle is only open to the public on rare occasions, as in 1995 for a pyrotechnic show.

The local legend evokes a network of tunnels linking Janvry to the castle of Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard and to a monastery that disappeared near Arpajon, used as an escape route. Although traces of these tunnels are visible in the park, there is no evidence to confirm their extent. The memorial at the entrance to the village, dedicated to the Mother of Pains, commemorates the death in diapers of Elizabeth Anjoran in 1847, illustrating family history related to the estate.

The Anjoran and Reille families, successive heirs, have marked the recent history of the castle. During the Revolution, André-Pierre Haudry de Janvry had to abandon him before he went into exile in London. In the 19th century, the estate became a secondary residence, while in the 20th century, military occupations and post-war restorations shaped its present state. The communes, including stables and barns, retain original inscriptions and arrangements, such as the names of cows engraved in the stables.

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