Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Button Castle, built in the 18th century and completed in 1770, is an example of classical architecture in Gif-sur-Yvette. Its 64 hectare park, designed in the spirit of the gardens of Le Nôtre, is classified as an ecological protected area. This area illustrates the taste of the elites of the Old Regime for rural residences combining aesthetics and functionality.

In 1946, the Noetzlin family transferred the castle and its park to the CNRS for 12.5 million francs (plus 1.5 million for furniture), provided that the estate was preserved in the state. This transaction, described as a "family prize" by historian Emilia Robin, reflects the desire of the owners to reconcile heritage conservation with scientific usefulness. The speed of the sale underlines the urgency and commitment of the parties.

Since 1950, the CNRS has transformed the park into an internationally renowned scientific campus, while respecting the castle conservation clause. Laboratories dedicated to genetics, climate and environmental sciences have been established, attracting researchers such as Piotr Slonimski (genetics), Sir Derek Barton and Pierre Potier (plant chemistry). The site has become a major centre of French research, particularly in biology and chemistry.

The Gif-sur-Yvette estate, integrated into the Saclay plateau, today symbolizes the alliance between historical heritage and scientific innovation. Pierre Veltz, interviewed in 2021, highlights his pioneering role in disciplines such as French genetics and environmental sciences, with academic collaborations and mixed teams. The park, despite modern additions, remains a testament to the 18th century landscape heritage.

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