The castle of Saint-Vrain is located in the eponymous town of Saint-Vrain, in the Essonne department, 34 km south of Paris.
Within the Hurepoix region, a first seigniorial castle was built in the 13th century, which then belonged to the Karnazet family (1516 to 1641) then to the Levasseur family (until 1719). Later, the domain is the property of Alexandre Leriche de la Pouplinière who occupies a high position within the royal administration (general farmer). He remains famous for having been a great patron. The writers Voltaire and Rousseau, the painter Quentin de la Tour frequent his salon in Paris and come to attend the parties he gives in his castle of Saint-Vrain, endowed with a large park. Several owners still succeed one another, including the Countess of Barry from 1775 to 1777. Louis XV style, the vast residence presents its appearance before the Revolution today, sumptuous and overlooking French gardens. Outbuildings were then built, and the castle was then acquired by Duval Dumanoir, Baron d'Empire, Grand Chamberlain to Napoleon 1st, who also became Mayor of Saint-Vrain. During this period, he designed an English park.
In the second half of the 19th century, modifications were made, and in the 20th century, a rear wing was removed. However, the castle remains a fine example of 18th century architecture.
In the 1970s, a zoological park was opened on the estate, but it closed its doors due to significant costs that the events (film shoots) hosted and visits alone could not cover.
Private property, the castle is not open to visitors. The exteriors of the whole (castle, park, annexes) can however mark out a walk in the locality. Information on +33 1 64 56 13 63.
