Château d’Ozonville

Gazing upon Château d’Ozonville, can you sense the weight of centuries nestled within its walls? Château d’Ozonville stands as a testament to time, a silent observer of history’s ebb and flow. Originally, Château d’Ozonville was a significant part of the Athis seigneury, known as the fief of Ozonville or des Carneaux. In the 17th century, part of the estate belonged to Valentin Conrart. He was the first secretary of the Académie Française. Conrart often hosted Mademoiselle de Scudéry and other literary figures of his time at Château d’Ozonville. Imagine the lively discussions and witty banter that echoed through these halls. In 1721, Marshal Duke of Roquelaure acquired the estate. Upon his death in 1738, it passed to the widow of Marshal de Villars. A map from 1736, created for the Duke of Roquelaure, reveals additions to Château d’Ozonville. These included an extension to the courtyard, outbuildings at the entrance, an orangery, and pavilions in the park. The pavilion alongside the château, facing the park, was likely added in the late 18th century. Fast forward to 1883. M. Mottet-Bey, a former colonel in the Pasha of Egypt’s service, sold Château d’Ozonville. The buyer was the Athis-Mons real estate company. This company was established by former students of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. They purchased the estate because the Brothers, facing expulsion from their Paris house due to anti-congregationalist laws, sought a property near Paris. They wanted it to serve as both a motherhouse and a retreat center. The architect Conchon expanded the buildings, renaming them Notre-Dame-des-Retraites. Two superimposed glass galleries were added to the front. Two symmetrical wings flanked the entrance courtyard, the right wing later extended with six bays and an additional floor. In 1885, Conchon also designed a chapel for Château d’Ozonville. A large building, the “Second Noviciate”, arose in the park in 1894. This was for general chapters and retreats for young Brothers from all houses of the congregation. Its adjoining walkway was replaced in 1977 by a lower, two-level wing. Sadly, much of the original 17th-century farm was lost. Part was removed in 1933-1934 to improve the Place Henri-Deudon intersection. Most was destroyed in 1975. More than half the property was sold for town center modernization. The Parc d’Ozonville residence now occupies that section of the former park. The Château d’Ozonville boasts a long sloping roof with hipped ends and two pavilion roofs. The 19th-century wings have broken long slopes. The noviciate building is constructed from millstone. The millstone chapel, at the junction of the château and the right wing, overlooks the park. Its third level served as a dormitory for retreatants. A remaining farm building, with a carriage entrance and tiled roof, stands along Avenue Marcel-Sembat. This building whispers tales of a once-bustling farm, now a quiet echo of the past. Today, Château d’Ozonville serves as a retirement home for the Brothers of the Christian Schools. As you leave Château d’Ozonville, carry with you the stories of its vibrant past.