Seventeenth-century whispers echo within these walls. We stand before the Château des Cèdres. It is a place rich in history. This château began its story around 1640. Denis Néret, attorney to the Chambers of Paris, commissioned its construction.
Néret’s family cherished the Château des Cèdres for nearly a century after his death. The architecture reflected the classicism of the era of Louis XIII. Artists drew inspiration from Greco-Roman art. They incorporated both curved and straight lines. The design balances Greco-Roman restraint with Italian and Flemish Baroque flair. The architect chose a more sober approach.
The façade may have been altered in the late 18th or early 20th century. Yet, the Château des Cèdres retains its original structure. Its straight lines and right angles define its character. Symmetry and order are evident in its design. Ionic pilasters punctuate the façade. An oculus-topped pediment crowns the central projection. Unlike some other châteaux, it lacks corner pavilions.
Inside the Château des Cèdres lies a wrought-iron staircase. It mirrors the craftsmanship of Louis Ancelin’s château in Gournay-sur-Marne. This staircase is considered the finest example of 17th-century ironwork in the region. It earned a listing as a historical monument in 1976.
Denis Gaudot owned the château in 1788. He was a receiver of entry fees in Paris. Involved in financial misdeeds, he defended himself. He even accused the tax collectors. His accusations impacted the charges against them during the French Revolution.
Madame de Fleurieu acquired the property in 1812. She was the estranged wife of Jean Jacques Claret de Fleurieu. He was the nephew of a Louis XVI naval minister. As a lady-in-waiting to Marie Letizia Bonaparte, Napoleon’s mother, she held an important place in the imperial court. Known for her taste and extravagance, Madame de Fleurieu redesigned the park. She enhanced a spring and added an ornamental vase with sculptures.
She also focused on the interior décor of the Château des Cèdres. She embraced the Empire style with classical motifs. Over-the-door panels depict mythological scenes. Venus, Diana, and Cupid grace these panels. The allegorical scenes are carved in gypsum. Montfermeil was famous for this fine plaster.
Émile Hovelaque saved the Château des Cèdres from obscurity. After his death, the estate served various purposes. It was a bird farm. Later it became a children’s welfare center. The municipality bought the park and château in 1994. The property includes 3.5 hectares of green space. It also encompasses a fifteen-room building.
The Château des Cèdres owes its fame to Tancrède Martel’s novel. Today, it houses municipal services and cultural events. Its central location and rich history make it a special place. The Château des Cèdres provides the setting for the annual Son et Lumière show. The show uses costumes and props preserved here.