It hides behind a big gate and remains little known to many residents of the Yvelines: the Château de La Verrière is among the sites to discover during the Heritage Days 2026, on September 19 and 20, 2026. Each year, this event opens the doors of monuments and heritage sites—sometimes unusually accessible—to better understand their history, architecture, and current role. At La Verrière, the exercise takes on full meaning: the château tells more than five centuries of history in Île-de-France.
The estate traces its roots back to the Middle Ages, but it is in the 16th century that the castle really began to take shape. The lordship was acquired in 1507 by Barthélemy Séguier, a member of a powerful French noble family. A few decades later, in 1550-1551, a castle was built for his son Pierre Séguier, who would serve as president of the Châtelet in Paris.
The house subsequently evolves with its owners and changing fashions. In the 17th century, it adopts the classical aesthetic, characterized by a pursuit of symmetry, perspective, and orderly arrangement. The estate is notably enhanced with French-style gardens. The park’s perspective is today protected as a Historic Monument.
Inside, the different eras respond to each other rather than fade away. The château notably preserves 18th-century woodwork, a 19th-century kitchen and salons rearranged in the 20th century. Its chapel, whose origin dates to the 17th century, houses frescoes created in 1933 by Henri Marret, an artist linked to the renewal of sacred art. The décor thus testifies to the successive transformations of a dwelling long inhabited.
Another chapter in this story: in 1952, the estate was acquired by the Mutuelle générale de l’Éducation nationale (MGEN). The château then housed a training centre mainly for the union’s activists and elected representatives, focusing on health and social protection. Still owned by the MGEN today, it also hosts seminars and events.
Guided tours of the castle
An exceptional guided tour to discover the history and architecture of this château, from its embellishment in the Grand Siècle—with its French-style gardens listed as historic monuments—to its chapel in the vein of the Ateliers d’Art Sacré, its salons recreated by a wealthy American, and a charming marble-and-mirror bathroom.
A collaboration between the Musée de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines and Mutuelle Générale de l’Éducation Nationale.
Participation requirements: Free | Reservation required - 01 39 44 38 90, http://museedelaville.sqy.fr/billetterie, museedelaville@sqy.fr
Timings: Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00 to 11:20, 11:30 to 12:50, 14:30 to 15:50, 16:00 to 17:20
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Verrière Castle
11 Avenue de Montfort
78320 Verriere (La)
Route planner
Official website
chateauverriere.fr
