Château de Villiers, a Renaissance Manor in Gâtinais

You have to peruse the history books to discover the events surrounding the construction of the first edifice on the site, back in the 12th century. Situated only 40 km south of Paris, in Fertais-Allais, a commune reputed for its honey and saffron, the venerable manor de Villiers-le-Châtel was the property of the Champagne family, of King Louis VII, Louis XI as well as Francis I. And numerous vestiges of the tumult of the past can still be seen, namely a guardhouse, buttresses, the foundations of defensive towers and mysterious subterranean rooms.

The Renaissance spirit of a Gâtinais chateau

This domain, made up of a chateau and its dependencies, is one worth discovering. First cross the stone bridge which stretches over the moat, to arrive at a high wrought-iron gate. This gate opens onto a courtyard designed with tree-lined lawns and a central pond, opposite the principal facade with its two projecting wings pointing skyward.

The light-filled dining room allows itself some modern touches which don’t clash with tradition, however. © DR

The double living room offers different ambiances, with a cosy fireplace and a more festive snooker-table. © DR

The lordly dwelling and its dependencies

On grounds of 17 hectares, ornamented with an English garden, the architectural ensemble of 2000 m2, which includes stables, an orangery with a rooftop-terrace and a chapel, is composed of 7 bedrooms, 3 Second Empire reception rooms with fireplaces, a medieval living room and a room dedicated to hunting. Here, the royal privileges haven’t been lost !

If this bedroom could speak, it would recount the royal romances of the past. © DR