Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Mesnil-Voysin, located in Bouray-sur-Juine (Essonne), is built in 1635-1636 on the foundations of a medieval building, by architect Michel Villedo (future builder of Vaux-le-Vicomte). Originally commissioned by Pierre Hérouard, king's adviser, he was completed under Claude Cornuel, intendant of the finances of Louis XIII. Its architecture illustrates the transition between Renaissance and French classicism, with a majestic symmetry close to François Mansart's style. The estate includes a chapel erected in 1611 by Renée Sabathier, wife of a secretary of the king.

In the 17th century, the castle welcomed Louis XIV and Mazarin in 1652 during the Fronde. He then became the property of the Voysin de La Noraye family, whose name was given by Daniel Voysin (1654-1717), Chancellor of France. The park, partially designed by André Le Nôtre, and the Pocancy tower (18th century) are added by the heirs, including the Marquis de Broglie and the Lignerac. The estate remained in this aristocratic line until the 20th century, despite successive sales (1939, 1954, 1993).

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1980 (facades, roofs, commons) and then in 1994-1995 (indoors and park), the castle was restored from 1993 to regain its original spirit. Its dovecote (3,500 bolts) and its recreuse canal (1999-2001) bear witness to its exceptional hydraulic and architectural heritage. The site, private, preserves elements from the 17th and 18th centuries, including a water room and a north terrace.

The history of the castle is marked by influential figures: Guillaume Hérouard (secretary of the king's chamber in the 16th century), Charles Guillaume de Broglie (lieutenant-general who erected the tower of Pocancy), and Caesar de Choiseul-Praslin (owner in the 19th century). He was occupied during the Second World War by German and then American troops, but he was not able to escape the deterioration before his modern restoration.

The name Mesnil-Voysin comes from the Voisin family, which owns it for more than two centuries. Voysin (instead of Voisin) is a recapture of its historical etymology. Today, the castle combines aristocratic heritage, classical architecture and landscape, reflecting the evolution of tastes and power in Île-de-France.

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