Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Louvois found its origins in the thirteenth century as a fortified seigneury, with remains such as moat, cellars and prison. In the 17th century, Michel Le Tellier, Secretary of State for the War of Louis XIV, acquired it and transformed it into a marquisate. His son, François Michel Le Tellier de Louvois, influential minister and coordinator of Versailles after Colbert, erected a sumptuous castle designed by Mansart, surrounded by 50 hectares of gardens designed by Michel Le Bouteux, pupil of Le Nôtre. The works, including earthworks and canals fed by the waters of Vertuelles, are supervised by Vauban and executed by the Swiss Guards. The estate becomes a popular hunting spot.

In 1776, the castle passed into the hands of Adelaide and Sophie, daughters of Louis XV, who made it their residence known as the Château des Dames de France. The architect Nicolas Durand made some improvements there. The French Revolution led to its partial destruction: only foundations, entrance grid, orangery, ditches and basins remained. In the 19th century, a classical pavilion replaced the original building, integrated into a landscaped garden. The remains of the park, despite successive restorations, preserve the main lines of the initial project of Le Nôtre and Hardouin-Mansart.

Since 1989, the estate belongs to the champagne house Laurent-Perrier, which has restored part of the gardens according to the original plans. Ranked a historic monument in 2015, the castle does not visit but bears witness to the architectural and landscape heritage of the 17th and 19th centuries, mixing aristocratic history, hydraulic innovation and wine heritage.

External links