Château de la Rivière, Historic castle in Thomery, France
Château de la Rivière is a stone castle located at the northwestern edge of Thomery along the Seine River, surrounded by an extensive park containing meadows and forested areas. The estate features remains of pavilions and historic pathways that lead to the main entrance gate.
The castle was built in the early 17th century by Roch Le Baillif, physician to King Henri IV, and later passed to the Count of Toulouse, a son of Louis XIV. During World War II, the site served as a German munitions depot before suffering major damage in 1944.
The property holds cultural significance as a royal route landmark, with its eighteenth-century path linking two important French estates and reflecting the social connections between aristocratic residences.
Visitors can explore the grounds on foot, with walkable paths leading through forested areas and across park spaces. The main entrance gate serves as the best starting point for accessing the various sections of the property.
The castle was directly connected to the royal palace at Fontainebleau through a specially built path, allowing members of the French royal family to travel between the two residences. This Route du Prince was a marker of the owners' high social standing at the time.
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