Intrigued by tales of lavish parties and artistic grandeur? Then prepare to be amazed by the Château de Ferrières. This magnificent French château stands as a testament to the Rothschild family’s wealth and influence.
The Château de Ferrières was built between 1855 and 1859. Baron James de Rothschild commissioned it. He wanted a home that reflected his prominent social standing. The baron hired British architect Joseph Paxton. Paxton was famous for designing the Crystal Palace in London.
The Château de Ferrières is inspired by the Italian Renaissance. It boasts advanced technology for its time. These included central heating and running water. The interior decoration reflects the Rothschild family’s exquisite taste.
Imagine the grand central hall. It stretches 37 meters long and 18 meters high. A glass skylight floods the space with natural light. Charles Henri Joseph Cordier sculpted the atlas columns and caryatids. Eugène Lami supervised the decorative painting.
The Château de Ferrières once housed a library. It contained more than 8000 books. The Château de Ferrières also had 80 guest suites. This ensured lavish entertaining could be enjoyed. Napoleon III himself inaugurated the château in 1862.
Wilhelm I the Emperor of Germany once visited the Château de Ferrières. He exclaimed no kings could afford this. He said it could only belong to a Rothschild.
During the Franco-Prussian War the Germans seized the Château de Ferrières. Otto von Bismarck met with French Minister Jules Favre here. They discussed peace terms. The Germans again seized the château during World War II. They looted its vast art collections.
The château remained empty until 1959. Guy de Rothschild and his wife Marie-Hélène refurbished it. They hosted regular parties. Yves Saint Laurent designed the party themes. Guests included aristocrats and celebrities. Brigitte Bardot Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn were among them.
In 1975 Guy de Rothschild and his wife donated the Château de Ferrières to the University of Paris. Today the property houses École Ferrières. This school focuses on gastronomy and hospitality. There are also two restaurants here. They are called Le Baron and Le Chai.
The Château de Ferrières has appeared in films and music videos. These include The Ninth Gate Partition and Tourner dans le vide.
The Château de Ferrières stands as a symbol of opulence and history. Its story reflects power art and philanthropy. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and significance. It is now owned by the commune of Ferrières-en-Brie.