What if I told you Voltaire might not have been born in Paris? The story of Domaine de la Petite Roseraie is full of surprises. This charming chateau sits in Châtenay-Malabry. It holds secrets of famous figures and historical events.
Domaine de la Petite Roseraie dates back to the 17th century. Over the years, it belonged to several prominent individuals. These included the Maréchal de Ségur, the Arouet family, and Prince Francesco Borghèse. The Comte de Boigne also owned it. His wife hosted salons that were popular with opponents of Napoleon’s policies. Germaine de Staël, Benjamin Constant, Madame Récamier, and Châteaubriand frequented these gatherings.
Voltaire, the famous writer, claimed he was born here. His birth certificate says Paris. However, he insisted he was born at Domaine de la Petite Roseraie. The Countess de Boigne supported this claim. She wrote in her memoirs about living in a small manor in Châtenay. She noted Voltaire’s birth in that house added to its fame.
In 1855, landscaper Louis-Sulpice Varé redesigned the park. He added an orangery and a small house for children. This house was later transformed into a chapel in 1909. Alexandre Roland-Gosselin, a stockbroker, acquired the estate in 1829. He expanded the grounds and commissioned Varé to landscape the park. Roland-Gosselin also demolished the Arouet house in 1853. He then rebuilt the outbuildings in an Italian style around 1855. After his death, his granddaughter, Marie-Alexandrine Roland-Gosselin, built an orphanage. It opened in 1873 to house needy young girls.
The state acquired Domaine de la Petite Roseraie in 1941. It became home to the École Normale Supérieure d’Éducation Physique. This later became the Centre d’Éducation Populaire and then the CREPS.
Look closely at the chateau’s architecture. Note the stone facade and slate roof. The interior features paneled rooms and an old dining room. The entry gate on Place Voltaire is another protected element. The park itself is a historical landmark. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1946. Domaine de la Petite Roseraie stands as a testament to French history. It reflects art and culture through the ages. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Remember the stories it holds within its walls and gardens.