Folie Saint James, 18th century pleasure house in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
Folie Saint James is an 18th century pleasure house in Neuilly-sur-Seine with neoclassical design built in 1777 by prominent architects of the time. The building now serves as a public secondary school while maintaining its historical architectural character and protected status.
The estate was built in 1777 by Claude Baudard de Vaudésir, Baron of Sainte-James and treasurer of the French Navy under Louis XV, as a showcase of wealth. It competed with the famous Château de Bagatelle and reflected the rivalry between wealthy financiers of the period.
The name refers to its original owner, a French financier from the 18th century who built this as a retreat. Visitors can still sense the refined taste that shaped these gardens and buildings.
The site is located near central Neuilly-sur-Seine and can be accessed from Avenue de Longchamp. Since the building functions as an active school, it is advisable to check in advance whether visits are possible.
The original park contained dozens of structures including Chinese pavilions, temples, and artificial grottoes with mineral decorations scattered throughout the grounds. A particularly remarkable feature was a large natural rock formation brought from Fontainebleau Forest that housed a classical temple portico and hidden waterfalls.
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