Château du Marais, French castle in Le Val-Saint-Germain, France
Château du Marais is a castle in Le Val-Saint-Germain characterized by a symmetrical facade with five central bays and single-bay wings on each side. The structure is topped by a Doric column portico that forms a distinctive entrance feature.
The castle was built between 1772 and 1779 by architect Jean-Benoît-Vincent Barré for landowner Jean Le Maître de La Martinière. It replaced an earlier medieval structure that had stood on the site since the 13th century.
The castle hosted literary gatherings in the late 18th century, where writers such as poet Florian and author Chateaubriand would meet to discuss their work. These social occasions reflected the role that noble estates played as centers of intellectual exchange.
The property has been closed to visitors since March 2022 due to a change in ownership and planned renovations for conversion to a luxury hotel. Check with local tourism offices for updates about any future public access.
In 1902, Count Boniface de Castellane hosted a grand reception at the estate to honor the visit of Portugal's King Carlos I. This lavish event demonstrates how the property continued to serve as a venue for significant state occasions.
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