Question what stories these walls of the Chateau d’Ormesson could tell if they could talk. This chateau stands as a testament to centuries of French history. It has witnessed literary salons and political intrigues. Now, it opens its doors to us.
The Chateau d’Ormesson’s story began in 1580. It was constructed on the village lands of Amboile. Its elegant architecture is representative of the late 16th century. You can see this in its square pavilions. These are a holdover from medieval defensive towers. The polychromy of the materials enhances its elevation.
Until 1758 Ormesson was named Amboile. The Le Fèvre d’Ormesson family became lords of Amboile in 1630. André Le Fèvre d’Ormesson married the daughter of Nicolas Le Prévost. Nicolas was the lord of Amboile. The family gave the domain its name. Even after the revolution the name stuck. Today the town and chateau share the same coat of arms.
Step inside. Imagine the flurry of activity surrounding Olivier Lefèvre d’Ormesson. He was the judge in the trial of Nicolas Fouquet. All the documents used to convict Fouquet are still here. Olivier played a key role in Fouquet’s fate. King Louis XIV wanted Fouquet’s death. But Olivier famously replied the Court does not render services sire it renders judgements.
The Chateau d’Ormesson has always been a hub for writers. Since the 17th century, writers and philosophers frequented it. La Fontaine Madame de Sévigné Diderot and Madame de Staël visited often. Marshal Lyautey stayed here. He even wrote his acceptance speech to the Académie Française here. The chateau holds the largest private archive in France. Jean d’Ormesson the writer was the nephew of Wladimir d’Ormesson.
Wladimir d’Ormesson was the last resident. He was a diplomat. He served as ambassador to the Holy See and South America. Wladimir invited King Mohamed V of Morocco to Ormesson. He was a friend of General de Gaulle. Wladimir became head of the ORTF and an academician. Since his death in 1973 no one has lived in the chateau.
Note the architectural details. The trompes or vaults in the corners are true masterpieces. The stonemason created a hemispherical interior. It is angular at the base. This is a prime example of stereotomy the science of cutting stones.
The Chateau d’Ormesson remains in the d’Ormesson family. The family has consistently provided great service to France. Olivier d’Ormesson was a finance controller under Charles IX and Henri III. Anne-François de Paule Marquis d’Ormesson was a deputy. He perished on the scaffold in 1794.
The city adopted the d’Ormesson family arms in 1957. This enduring connection to its past makes the Chateau d’Ormesson special. The Chateau d’Ormesson stands not just as a building. It is a living chronicle of French history family legacy and architectural beauty.