Folie Desmares, Historic pleasure house in Châtillon, France
Folie Desmares is a historic pleasure house on Rue de la Gare in Châtillon, a short distance from Paris. The building has a restrained classical facade with tall windows, and its entrance hall leads to a staircase attributed to architect Jean-Baptiste Alexandre Le Blond.
The house was built in the early 18th century for Swiss banker Antoine Hogguer and his companion Charlotte Desmares, an actress at the Comédie-Française. From 1880 it was used by the Dominican Sisters of Notre-Dame de Grâce, and the local government took it over in 1984.
The name 'folie' points to an old French idea of a small countryside retreat made for enjoyment rather than daily work. Today, visitors passing by can see how this type of wealthy private house once introduced theatrical and artistic motifs into a quiet suburban street.
The house sits next to Parc des Sarments, so you can combine a look at the exterior with a short walk through the greenery. Flat paths around the building make it easy to approach from the street and view the main elevation.
Inside, the walls once carried hunting and mythological scenes by painter Alexandre-François Desportes, along with figures of Diana and Venus. The writer Voltaire is said to have stayed here more than once, enjoying the company of the owners.
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