Château des Boulayes, Neoclassical castle in Châtres, France
Château des Boulayes is a neoclassical castle in Châtres built in white stone with 42 Corinthian pilasters across its facades. The structure displays 38 bays arranged in perfect symmetry across two floor levels.
The castle was built by architect Nicolas-Claude Girardin between July and December 1785 for Claude Bellanger, a colonel in King Louis XVI's bodyguards. It reflects the architectural preferences of wealthy military officers during this period.
The dining room displays original 18th-century decorative elements, including ornate stoves with statues created by the artist Marentin. These handcrafted details show the owners valued artistic refinement in their home.
The castle stands approximately 40 kilometers from Paris in Seine-et-Marne and is officially protected under French heritage regulations. The facades and roofs have been designated for protection since 1946, making it an important local landmark.
The original pitched roof was replaced in 1912 with an Italian-style flat roof surrounded by a stone balustrade. This change significantly altered the building's original silhouette.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.