Have you heard of the heart of the first French atomic bomb. It was made right here in Bruyères-le-Châtel.
Welcome to the Château De Bruyères-le-Châtel. This place has a unique story. It is a story of crusades and secret atomic research. Bruyères-le-Châtel is a commune thirty-two kilometers southwest of Paris. It is in the Essonne department.
Let’s journey back to the 13th century. Thomas of Bruyères decided to join the crusade against the Albigensians in Languedoc. He fought bravely and seized the Château de Puivert. He also gained control of part of the Razès. This included Chalabre and sixteen surrounding parishes. The Bruyères family became important figures in Languedoc. They allied with other powerful families. Their coat of arms featured a gold lion. The lion had a forked tail. This emblem remains the town’s symbol today.
Two centuries later, Guillaume des Bordes married Marguerite de Bruyères. He became Baron of Bruyères. Guillaume served as chamberlain to Charles V. He was also the Porte-Oriflamme of France. He joined the Crusade of Sigismund of Hungary. The crusaders faced Bajazet at the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396. Guillaume was killed in battle. His son Jean was taken prisoner. Jean was later freed.
Inside the church, you can see three recumbent statues. These are believed to be Marguerite de Bruyères. Also Jean des Bordes. And Jacqueline de Beauvais. Marguerite requested the reconstruction of the Notre-Dame chapel. She entrusted her possessions to the King for protection.
The Château De Bruyères-le-Châtel changed hands over the centuries. After Marguerite de Bruyères. Thomas de Voisins became the owner in 1418. Later, Philippe de Voisins. And Jean de Voisins. Louis de Bouhan. Called la Rochette. Followed in 1460. Jean de Bohan. Called La Rochelle. And Jean de Baillon. Became part owners in the 16th century. Claude d’Aubray acquired the estate in 1584.
In 1641, Marie d’Aubray sold Bruyères-le-Châtel. To Jean-Louis Lespinette. Jean-Louis became a wealthy financier. His grandson Jean-Louis II. Elevated the land. To a marquisate in 1676. The Le Mairat family continued to hold the title. Until Antoine Le Mairat died. Without children.
Now let’s fast forward to the 20th century. Bruyères-le-Châtel became a site for the Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique. This is the French Atomic Energy Commission. The core of France’s first atomic bomb. Was manufactured here. This bomb was tested in the Sahara in 1960.
Today, Bruyères-le-Châtel is also home to the Teratec center. It houses supercomputers like TERA-100. These are used for civilian research.
The Château De Bruyères-le-Châtel stands as a testament to Bruyères-le-Châtel rich past. From noble crusaders to atomic secrets. This town has played a role in shaping history. As you leave. Reflect on the layers of history. Woven into the very fabric of this place.