Château de Vaux-le-Pénil, 18th-century castle in Vaux-le-Pénil, France
Château de Vaux-le-Pénil is an 18th-century castle built on elevated ground overlooking the city of Melun and the Seine River. The building contains six separate rooms with tall ceilings and large windows that face out toward the river landscape.
A fortification already stood on this site in 1050, as recorded in a royal edict naming Peny as the lord of the estate. The present castle was built in 1766, replacing the medieval structure.
The castle reflects 18th-century aristocratic taste, with classical details visible throughout each room. These elements show how wealthy society wanted to live at that time.
The site sits on a hillside with good views of the surroundings but may be reached via paved pathways. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and allow time to explore each room separately, as they are laid out across the building.
Excavations in 1976 uncovered underground chambers and Roman foundations beneath the castle, showing that people have occupied this site since ancient times. The different layers of ground document a continuous settlement history spanning many eras.
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