Towering above us, the Château d’Hennemont stands as a testament to the rich history of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Built in 1907 by the pharmacist Henri Cannone, inventor of the iconic Valda lozenge, this grand château occupies the highest point of the region, offering breathtaking views. Originally, a medieval priory stood on this very spot, but it was destroyed by the Black Prince, Edward Plantagenet, at the beginning of the Hundred Years’ War.
Take a moment to appreciate the castle’s eclectic architecture, a fascinating fusion of neo-Gothic, neo-classical, and neo-Renaissance styles. Its facade is a canvas of contrasting textures, blending brick and limestone. Look up! Notice the two imposing staircase towers, one mirroring the design of a medieval keep, adorned with a neo-classical frieze of flowers and fruits. This grand chateau has served many purposes over the years. In fact, it belonged to the Maharajah Tukojirao Holkar III and his son Yeshwant Rao Holkar II during the interwar period, a time when its gardens were the setting for lavish parties.
Did you know that the Château d’Hennemont also played a vital role during World War II? After serving as a hospital for colonial troops and being commandeered by the German army, it became a meeting place for Allied forces during the liberation. The castle served as the headquarters for the Allied Naval Commander-in-Chief Expeditionary Force (ANCXF) in the months following the Normandy landings.
Today, the Château d’Hennemont is a vibrant hub for learning. It has housed the Lycee International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye since 1951, a testament to the spirit of international cooperation and education. The ground-floor rooms and the basement theatre host a variety of cultural events, seminars, and performances throughout the school year.