Château du Parangon, 17th-century castle in Joinville-le-Pont, France.
Château du Parangon is a building from the second half of the 17th century with elaborate stonework on its main facade, detailed balconies, and a formal entrance portal on rue de Paris. The structure was adapted over time for residential and administrative use and now houses social services and a primary school on its reduced grounds.
The castle was built in the second half of the 17th century by the Amelot family and served as a summer residence. Around 1670 it became the home of writer Madame de La Fayette, who lived and worked there.
The ironwork decorating the main staircase and balconies dates to the 18th century and reflects the craftsmanship of that period. These metal details remain visible to visitors and help define the character of the building today.
The building is publicly accessible but is primarily used for administrative and school functions, so visitors should expect limited access to certain areas. It is best to check in advance about visiting conditions, as the site does not operate as a typical tourist attraction.
The original gardens were designed by Le Nôtre, the royal gardener of King Louis XIV who also created the gardens of Versailles. This connection reveals the property's link to one of the greatest landscape design achievements of the era.
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