Was it really ash forests that once defined this area? Fresnes sur Marne, a village with a name hinting at ancient ash trees. It wasn’t always the quiet residential area it is today. The history of Fresnes sur Marne is closely linked to its chateau. Although nothing remains of the building today its legacy lives on.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the 12th century. Dreux de Fresnes a lord from the Capetian family built the first chateau. It likely started as a simple tower surrounded by wooden palisades. Fast forward to the 16th century. Florimond Robertet, advisor to King Henri II owned the chateau. Later in the 16th century Francois d’O superintendent of Finances under Henri IV lived here between 1589 and 1594.
In 1594 Pierre Forget, secretary of state for Henri IV, acquired the chateau. Forget transformed it. He made it so grand that its reputation became international. King Henri IV even signed an important edict here in 1598. Gabrielle d’Estrées, Henri IV’s mistress visited Fresnes sur Marne. She was the godmother to Pierre Forget’s daughter. Her son Cèsar Phoebus d’Albret also stayed at the chateau.
The 17th and 18th centuries saw many famous figures visit Fresnes sur Marne. The Marquise de Sévigné admired the chateau’s beauty. Henri de Guénégaud became the lord of Fresnes in 1645. He was a financier and secretary of state. Jules-Hardouin Mansart, King Louis XIV’s architect, also lived here. He designed a chapel that became famous. Important ceremonies took place in this chapel including a marriage uniting Henri de Simeterre and Magdeleine d’Angennes.
Chevalier François Girardon, a renowned sculptor contributed to royal projects. Charles Le Brun, King Louis XIV’s painter directed the Royal Academy. Michel Chappus, the King’s apothecary lived in Fresnes sur Marne. His tombstone can be found in the village church. He created remedies for the chateau’s residents. These potions included spices animal products and even crushed pearls.
Henri François d’Aguesseau, a chancellor under Louis XV, retired to Fresnes in 1722. He spent five delightful years here. Numerous skilled workers lived in Fresnes sur Marne. These included tapestry makers tailors jewelers sculptors and masons. Servants like gardeners cooks and valets also resided here. Life bustled within the chateau walls.
Sadly, this vibrant chapter ended in 1828. Louis comte de Ségur sold the chateau to speculators. They demolished it completely to reuse the materials. Originally the chateau had a sober design with Greek influences. It featured 26 master apartments surrounded by moats. Avenues gardens and a park completed the estate. In 1647 Mansart designed the chateau’s chapel mirroring his plans for the Val-de-Grâce in Paris.
Today Fresnes sur Marne is a quiet village. However, its history echoes through time. The chateau may be gone but its story remains. You can discover more in the book 2001 l’odyssée d’un village Fresnes sur Marne. It’s a testament to the village’s rich past and the grand chateau that once stood here. The monumental gate is still visible today.