Château de Vilgénis

The Château de Vilgénis is an Empire style castle in the Essonne department situated on expansive grounds with two lakes and wooded areas. The structure displays classical architectural features characteristic of the period, with rooms organized for formal entertaining and residential living.

The site evolved from a Roman villa to a fortified farm during medieval times, then underwent major reconstruction in the 16th century when it acquired its castle form with towers. These transformations marked the ambitions of successive owners who expanded and modified the property over generations.

The interior walls display artwork collected across different eras, including paintings that belonged to aristocratic owners who furnished the rooms with pieces reflecting their taste and connections. These works show how the castle functioned as a place where art and daily life were intertwined.

Visitors should be aware that access may be limited to certain areas, so it is worth checking beforehand what can be visited. The location on a large estate means allowing enough time to explore the grounds and surrounding woodland at a comfortable pace.

From 1950 to 2010 the castle served as a training facility for Air France personnel, transforming it from a residential mansion into a workspace for modern aviation. This industrial use during the 20th century left marks on the building and demonstrates how historical properties adapt to contemporary needs.