Ancien château d’Angervilliers

Abandoned yet alluring, the Ancien Château d’Angervilliers whispers stories of centuries past. Here, amidst the overgrown vegetation and crumbling walls, time seems to stand still. The Ancien Château d’Angervilliers began its life in the 14th century. Elisabeth d’Angervilliers, a woman of significant influence, built this grand château as her primary residence. Imagine her strolling through the manicured gardens, the very ground we stand on now, likely graced by her presence. Fast forward to 1555, and the Ancien Château d’Angervilliers became the property of Anne de Pisseleu, Duchess of Étampes. This powerful woman, mistress to King François I, held court here, adding another layer of intrigue to the château’s history. Over the centuries, the château changed hands many times. Notable figures like Benjamin Constant, Madame de Staël, and Chateaubriand graced its halls, their intellectual discussions and creative endeavors adding to the tapestry of stories within these walls. The “pink château” you see in ruins dates back to 1815, built by Sapia de Lencia. Yet, the Ancien Château d’Angervilliers as we know it in its ruined state was constructed later, at the dawn of the 20th century. Tragically, its last owners, the Weisweillers, met a grim fate during World War II. He, upon the arrival of the Nazis, took his own life. She perished in Auschwitz. The château, subsequently owned by Gustave Leven of Perrier fame, fell into disrepair. Now, it lies abandoned, a haunting beauty reclaimed by nature. Today, the Ancien Château d’Angervilliers stands as a testament to a rich, albeit tumultuous, past. It’s a place where history intertwines with nature, where echoes of laughter and sorrow linger in the air. The very stones seem to whisper the secrets they hold.