Château De Courances: French History, Gardens, And Timeless Elegance
A Landscaped Treasure
An Oasis Of Tranquility In The Heart Of Nature
Nestled in the heart of serene natural beauty, the Domaine de Courances beckons visitors to immerse themselves in a truly unique and comprehensive experience.
This extraordinary estate seamlessly blends the allure of its picturesque park, the rich history of its Château, and a diverse range of activities that cater to every interest and age group. Here, tourism, agriculture, catering, local shops, accommodation, corporate seminars, wellness, and sport converge to create a harmonious tapestry of offerings.
A Journey Through Time
The History of the Château and its Grounds
The Château: A Rich Tapestry Of Five Centuries
Renowned by garden lovers across the world, the Château de Courances is located 50 km south of Paris. The Park, both romantic and classical in style, is an invitation to discover 200-year old trees, lawns as for as the eye can see, and pools which have survived through the centuries.
The tale of Domaine de Courances begins in 1522 when Cosme Clausse acquired the property. At the time, it was a modest manor house devoid of any grand gardens.
Driven by a visionary ambition to craft a magnificent park, Cosme Clausse secured control over the river "L'École" and its springs. Thanks to his efforts, the estate saw its first landscaping projects take shape, including the creation of the Grand Canal and the Dôme.
Between 1622 and 1630, Claude I Gallard undertook significant modifications to transform the existing structures into a true château, marking a pivotal chapter in Courances' architectural history.
Samuel Arthur de Haber (German: von Haber) was an Austrian financier of Jewish origin. He followed the family financial career and became a banker in Vienna, Karlsruhe and Paris, notably carrying out financial operations on behalf of the Austrian state.
He acquired the Hôtel de Saint-Paul (rue Roquépine, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris) in 1868, then in 1872, not far from the French capital, the Château de Courances.
The Resplendent Renaissance
However, as the 18th century unfolded, the château fell into disuse and was ultimately abandoned during the 19th century. It wasn't until 1872 that Baron Samuel de Haber, a prosperous Swiss banker seeking a grand residence, breathed new life into the Château de Courances.
Collaborating with architect Hyppolite Destailleur, they embarked on a grand restoration project.
During this restoration, iconic features like the horseshoe-shaped staircase, inspired by the Château de Fontainebleau, and the distinct red bricks adorning the facades were added.
These red bricks, reminiscent of the Louis XIII period, became emblematic of Courances and earned it the title of being "twice Louis XIII."
Today, Courances remains privately owned, cherished by four generations of the Ganay family, preserving its rich history.
History & Notables
Courances derives its name from its "running waters" – a network comprising a river (the École), 14 springs, and 17 water features. These water features, some dating back to the 16th century, create an exquisite tapestry of aquatic beauty. Although often attributed to Le Nôtre, the park actually predates his era by a century, primarily embodying the Renaissance water garden style.
Throughout its history, each owner has left their mark on the park, resulting in a fusion of 17th-century French classical, 19th-century "à la française," and Japanese landscaping influences.
Although abandoned in 1830, it found new life through the efforts of the Duchêne family. Today, the park remains an ever-evolving masterpiece, characterized not by mechanisms, but by a subtle mastery of levels that enable water to flow through the iconic "gueulards," dolphin-head sculptures that grace the estate's basins.
Catering: Savor The Flavors
Within the estate, the Foulerie tearoom and La Mezzanine restaurant beckon visitors to indulge in culinary delights amidst picturesque surroundings. The Foulerie, a 17th-century hemp mill, has been transformed into a cozy tearoom nestled in the heart of the park. It invites guests to savor tea while soaking in the ambiance of the lush undergrowth or savoring vistas of the Japanese Garden. Open during the tourist season from April to November, weekends and public holidays from 2 pm to 6 pm, the Foulerie provides a tranquil escape.
Local Shops And Lodging: A Taste Of Terroir
La Boutique des Jardins de Courances serves as a haven for those seeking organic vegetables from the Potager des Jardins de Courances, as well as an array of grocery products and fresh produce, including cheeses and yoghurts.
Open to the public on Fridays from 4 pm to 7 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 1:30 pm, the boutique champions a circuit-court approach, promoting locally farmed, high-quality products.
Closes Seasonally Starting Oct 29, 2023.
Accommodation at the estate is a dream come true, with Les Maisons de Courances managed by partner Pierres d'Histoire.
This collection comprises four charming gîtes – La Pompe, L'Atelier, Le Moulin, and La Régie – nestled in the heart of the estate.
Adding to the offering is La Métairie, a spacious group accommodation with seven bedrooms that can accommodate up to 18 people.
Hippolyte Destailleur
(27 September 1822 – 17 November 1893) was a French architect, interior designer, and collector. He is noted for his designs and restoration work for great châteaux in France and in England, as well as his collection of books, prints, and drawings, covering French artists of the 18th and 19th centuries, much of which is now in the Cabinet des Estampes of the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris (Destailleur Collection).
He oversaw the designwork and restoration of the Château de Courances and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte beginning in 1875. He designed the Hôtel de Béhague in Paris (1866–1867) and the Château de Franconville in Oise for the Duc de Massa (1880–1885).
A Timeless Pursuit
In its timeless pursuit, the Domaine de Courances stands resolute in its commitment to preserving the site's cherished history and lush green heritage. It endeavors to usher the spirit of centuries past into contemporary existence through a harmonious blend of complementary activities, all while nurturing the legacy for generations to come—be they stewards of this land or enchanted visitors.
Moreover, it steadfastly upholds the principles of ecological stewardship and environmental rejuvenation, casting a resplendent vision of a sustainable and vibrant future for this remarkable estate.
All You Need To Know
Address:
15 rue du Château, 91490 CourancesPhone:
+33 (0) 1 64 98 07 36Email:
info@courances.netGetting There:
The Château de Courances is not directly accessible by public transport. The closest stations are Boutigny by RER D (14km), and Fontainebleau by Line R (22km). You will need to prebook a taxi to Courances from either station.Pet Friendly?
Yes, the park and restaurantFree Parking?
YesRestaurant?
YesLodging?
YesHandicapped Accessible?
Partially, please see website for details.
