If I tell you Thoiry, many of you will answer me:zoo! I would answer “yes, but not only! ". In the domain of Thoiry hides the Château de Thoiry, small in size but great in history, which I am pleased to tell you about through this article.
I had the opportunity to discover this historic place during an instameet organized by the Yvelines and the Château itself.
THE HISTORY OF CHÂTEAU DE THOIRY
It all started in the 16th century, when Raoul Moreau, the King's treasurer and scholar, had this castle built near Paris. It will remain in the hands of this family for a short time. Indeed, 50 years later, his grandson will lead to the sale of this family castle following an "error" of an opponent whom he killed. Following this, the castle was finally ceded to Guillaume de Marescot in 1612, and remained in the same family for 13 generations. At present, the castle is a private place belonging to Paul de La Panouse, who kindly opens the doors of their home to you.
The Château de Thoiry will succeed in surviving the most complicated periods of French history:
– At the time of the French Revolution :the castle is sequestered following the arrest of the owners. Beautiful proof of solidarity and benevolence:the peasants protected the place from looters.
– At the time of the First World War :only the gardens were shelled by the enemies, the Château de Thoiry came out intact.
– At the time of the Second World War :the estate was occupied by the Germans, who only looted a few pieces of furniture, without much "significance".
Luck or fate for this castle classified as a Historic Monument since 1973:no one can say. Anyway, it is thanks to this that visitors can discover an authentically furnished castle, which is particularly rare in France.
©Château de Thoiry
THE CHÂTEAU DE THOIRY'S ANECDOTES
Raoul II Moreau:the man who kills "by mistake"
I explained to you above that the Château had been sold to Guillaume de Marescot following the "stupidity" of a man. Let's take this story a little further.
In 1612, Raoul II Moreau was warned by his servant that longtime enemies were approaching with horses. He therefore decides to leave with his friends, in order to challenge them to a duel, and ends up killing them at the gates of the castle. Unfortunately for him, it was not enemies, but Raulet, a close friend of the Moreaus. For this gesture, Raoul II Moreau will be condemned to death by beheading:beheading being the noblest death at the time.
The prisoner finally managed to escape from prison, and fled to Italy. He takes refuge with the family lawyer:Guillaume de Marescot, who will be given the castle by mutual agreement.
Jean-Baptiste de Machault d'Arnouville:an excellent fallen minister
It was in the 18th century that the finance minister of King Louis XV took up residence in Thoiry. Jean-Baptiste was an excellent minister, to the point of being fired by the King of France himself. Appreciated by Louis XV, he first tried to impose taxes on everyone, including the clergy and the nobility. This reform was aborted, and it earned him to be hated by the clergy. Another of his goals:to dismiss Madame de Pompadour, the King's favorite. Which of course she did not appreciate.
This minister, whose destiny was nevertheless so promising, therefore succeeded in alienating the clergy and the King's Favorite. The King of France, reluctantly, therefore has no choice but to dismiss his minister, whom he nevertheless esteems. In the archives of the castle is preserved a letter written by the hand of Louis XV expressing all his friendship and his regrets.
THE CASTLE TOUR
Let's start from the inside
This moment being private, only the ground floor is accessible to visitors. Here is some of the parts that compose it:
The Reception Room
Initially planned to accommodate receptions, this room will become the dining room in the 18th century. Previously, families ate separately:the adults in their room or the reception hall, and the children with the servants. It was when French-style meals were introduced, which requires everyone to be gathered around the table, that this room was transformed.
Then observe this immense tapestry, offered by Louis XV for Jean-Baptiste de Machault d'Arnouville. This original tapestry has 2000 color shades. It took 7 years to create.
The Green Room or Henri IV Room
This is the largest room in the enclosure, measuring 85m2. This room is only dedicated to men:we talk about politics and finance, subjects that should not be discussed by women at that time. They were therefore not allowed to enter this room. Best of all, pets were allowed and welcome. And they were more than pampered:there is a superb miniature Polish bed, gilded with gold leaf, which serves as a basket for these little balls of fur.
The whole decoration of this room is thought to show the power.
In this Salon, there are 2 authentic royal portraits:Philippe d'Orléans, brother of Louis XIV, and Louis XV. At the time, a portrait was like a business card. It was created as a chain, then offered to relatives. Which means that the royal family was close to the owners.
You can also observe a superb tapestry, another royal gift. It represents a lion hunting scene with Henri IV, King of France, having already slept in this historic monument. Indeed, one of the owners of the castle was his doctor.
Music Lounge
This is, in my opinion, THE most beautiful piece. I probably appreciate it because I am a woman. Because indeed this room was intended for these ladies. This living room is particularly bright, and we find a very feminine decoration. The theme of this piece is very clear:it's about art. There is indeed a sublime library for reading, a writing cabinet for writing, pianoforte and harpsichord for music, and dress for sewing.
Let's take a closer look at this magnificent harpsichord. Everything is original with him:his place, his decoration and also his mechanism. Built by the Blanchet family (the greatest harpsichord builders), the Comte de la Panouse did not want it to be restored in order to preserve it.
Fashion fans will surely stop at the two outfits present in this room. One of these 2 outfits was worn, the other is a reconstruction.
In this living room, you can observe two portraits of an emblematic figure of this place:Angélique de Marescot. Married and widowed three times, she is a strong personality. She knew how to take care of the entire estate, she is notably at the initiative of the French gardens of the estate.
The Angelic Room
Many of you will wonder:why the Angelique room? It owes its name to the many "Angélique" who slept in this room. As in many rooms, you will find a four-poster bed, but this time a bit special. By approaching a little, you will be able to observe on the ceiling of the bed a Cupid who is blindfolded. It means love is blind (translate as you wish 😊).
Many portraits are present in this room, but I invite you to observe those present on each side of the bed. I present to you Angélique de Baussan, and Charles de Machault, husband and wife following a forced marriage. But that didn't stop them from falling madly in love with each other. Colonel of the Languedoc Dragons Regiment, Charles had to leave his beloved just 3 weeks after their wedding. From there follow love letters, a copy of which is present on the chest of drawers. These two lovers exchanged more than 1500 love letters, and each one was 5-6 pages long.
The vestibule
This is the main entrance, the one used by the nobles. This vestibule is the central room of the castle. It is here that one can observe the very particular construction, around the summer and winter solstices. The sun rises on one side and sets on the other. When you find yourself in this room, observe the horizon in the distance. You will see that the floor of the castle is at the same level. What makes this room so special.
During your visit, I invite you to pay attention to the armchair present here. This is not really an armchair, but a fold-out bed. Furnishings of Charles de Machault, he took it with him during his campaigns.
The boudoir
Small, low ceiling and especially exposed due south to take advantage of the heat in summer and winter, this room has all the elements found in a bathroom:commode, dressing table. You will be able to observe a set of perfumes and other beauty products still very well preserved.
Let's continue with the exterior
Listed as a Historic Monument, and holder of the "Remarkable Garden" label, the Thoiry park is a real extension of the Château, and serves the solar functions designed for the Château. It was in 1968 that part of the 450 hectares of the estate will welcome wild animals, so that they can live together and in complete freedom. From that, the gardens of Thoiry welcomed many visitors. I'll tell you a little more about the zoo if you're interested 😊
©Château de Thoiry
THOIRY'S EVENTS
Wild Lights
The gardens of Thoiry invite you to live an extraordinary sensory experience during the Lumières Sauvages de Thoiry. A set of illuminated scenes, representing animals and historical characters, take place to offer you an original and playful spectacle in the garden. This is an activity that I highly recommend for those looking for a fun outing near Paris or in Ile-de-France.
Opening times and prices:
- From the end of October to mid-March from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- €19.90 per adult / €17.90 per child
Valentine's Day
Notice to all history lovers, you have finally found THE ideal evening for Valentine's Day <3 Subdued atmosphere, rose petals, glass of champagne and gourmet dinner:here is what awaits you in the salons of Thoiry for your evening romantic. It is an exceptional experience that awaits you in the heart of the Yvelines, a good way to visit a Renaissance castle in an original way. Maybe this place will make you want to get married? Know that Thoiry can organize it for you!
Opening hours and prices:
– February 14 from 7:30 p.m.
– €256 per couple
THE ACTIVITIES OF THOIRY
Thoiry Zoological Park
It was in 1968 that the animals took up residence in the heart of this historic estate, and saved the place. Here, it is the animals that roam freely, and the visitors who are locked in to observe them.
Lions, bears, otters, snakes, bison, … You can observe multiple species through the safari in your car, or directly in the zoo (or both!).
This zoo is for me the best in Ile-de-France. I highly recommend it.
Escape Room Activity
This is the great novelty of Thoiry in 2019, which I had the pleasure of testing during this instameet.
It is a completely different way of discovering the castle and its history. Everything happens in the basements, formerly a family vault. Formerly abandoned, they now welcome visitors so that they can unravel the mysteries of the castle.
Attention, this escape game is of expert level. Personally, my group (and myself) had a very low level, it was a bitter failure.
Opening times and prices:
– Open every day except Monday
– 30€ per person for a minimum of 3 people per reservation and a maximum of 8
– Online reservation required
LOCATION AND ACCESS
His situation
55 kilometers from Paris in Ile-de-France in the Yvelines, the Château de Thoiry is located in the town of Thoiry. Its location in the heart of Yvelines in Ile-de-France makes it easy to reach, whether by car or public transport.
How do I access it?
– By car :from Paris, via the A12 then the N12, 45 minutes. Ample free parking available.
– By train :Take the Transilien from Saint Lazare in Paris to Mantes-la-Jolie, then line 78 to Mairie de Thoiry. The Castle is a 3min walk away.
PRICES AND TIMES
Rates
– Castle ticket only:4€
Timetables
– Open every day except Monday, from February to November
– From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in low season, until 7 p.m. in high season
The Yvelines department is not limited to the Palace of Versailles. Several splendid historical places are to be discovered, and this one is clearly one of them. Think of a little holiday outing with the children, the weekend to discover the events, or why not to organize your wedding😊
Thoiry