Located in Montfort-l'Amaury, in the Yvelines region, Château de Groussay is a realIle-de-France nugget not to be missed! Classified as a historical monument in 1993, it is renowned for its Anglo-Chinese garden, which features several fabriques (or follies) that add an unusual touch to the landscape offered by this beautiful green setting.
Please note that the site is currently awaiting a reopening date.
Contrary to popular belief, the fabriques that make up this garden were actually built between 1950 and 1970, inspired by the Anglo-Chinese gardens that were fashionable in the 18th century. By way of comparison, the Desert de Retz is one of the few to have been preserved in its original state.
So how is it that this Anglo-Chinese garden is so recent? Château de Groussay was originally a country house dating from 1820, acquired by Charles de Beistegui in 1938. He transformed it into a real château, and had the various buildings erected that we can see today. They were designed by Cuban architect Emilio Terry and interior painter Alexandre Serebriakoff.
As you stroll through this beautiful green setting, you'll come face to face with a Chinese pagoda, be charmed by the Palladian bridge and the romantic ambience it conveys. The intriguing Tartar tent fascinates the curious, while the vertiginous observatory column overlooks the park. A walk on the edge of reality!
Location
Château de Groussay
Rue de Versailles
78490 Montfort l'Amaury
Official website
www.chateaudegroussay.com
