Construction of the pavilion 1685 (≈ 1685)
Porter house of Versailles Park.
1867
Restoration by Questel
Restoration by Questel 1867 (≈ 1867)
Adding dependencies and conservation.
13 février 1989
Registration MH
Registration MH 13 février 1989 (≈ 1989)
Protection of facades and roofs.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs (Case A 11): inscription by order of 13 February 1989
Key figures
Jules-Hardouin Mansart - Royal Architect
Designer of the original model.
Charles Questel - Architect restorer
Responsible for the work of 1867.
Origin and history
The Porte de la Tuilerie, also known as Pavillon de l'Arènes, was built in 1685 as a doorman's house for the large hunting park of the Palace of Versailles. It follows an architectural model designed by Jules-Hardouin Mansart, famous architect of the reign of Louis XIV. This pavilion marked the entrance to a royal domain dedicated to hunting, an activity popular with the court.
Disused when the Marly Forest was closed, the structure lost its original function. In 1867, architect Charles Questel undertook his restoration and added outbuildings, giving him a new life. This work of preservation allowed to preserve the facades and roofs, now protected by an inscription to the Historical Monuments since 1989.
The pavilion illustrates the importance of the infrastructure linked to Versailles under the Ancien Régime. Its location in Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, on the edge of the forest, reflects the territorial organization of royal hunting areas. The restoration of the 19th century bears witness to an early heritage interest in these 17th century remains.
