Château de Méréville

Château de Méréerville is an estate with lakes, waterfalls, bridges, and a temple set within a landscape garden where the River Juine flows through the grounds. The property spreads across varied terrain and connects different areas through pathways and water features.

Jean-Joseph de Laborde purchased the property in 1784 and hired architects including François-Joseph Bélanger to redesign it. Construction continued for about 10 years before stopping abruptly when the owner was executed during the French Revolution.

The garden shows how visitors experience nature through careful arrangement of elements like temples and bridges. You find hidden corners throughout the grounds that encourage exploration and a sense of discovery while walking.

The best time to visit is from spring through fall when the grounds are open to visitors. Plan enough time to explore the different areas at your own pace and follow the various pathways throughout the property.

Around 700 workers labored for a decade to construct this garden, planting rare species brought from distant places. This enormous effort left behind a commemorative column that honors the original owner's family.

Location: Le Mérévillois

Inception: 1794

Architects: Jean-Benoît-Vincent Barré

Website: http://essonne.fr/culture-loisirs-tourisme/decouvrez-lessonne/sites-culturels-et-touristiques-a-decouvrir/#domaine_departemental_de_mereville

GPS coordinates: 48.31970,2.09083

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:44