Château de la Bretèche

Château de la Bretèche: A Timeless Royal Retreat Near Paris

 

LOCATION

The Domaine de la Bretèche, covering an area of approximately 18 hectares/45 acres, is located in the village of Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, on the edge of the Marly Forest, and the Grand Parc of Versailles. lt offers a remarkable view over the Versailles plain. The estate is conveniently located, just 15 minutes from the Château de Versailles, 30 minutes from Paris, and 38 minutes from Paris-Orly Airport. 

HISTORY

Le Château de la Bretèche dates back to the 18th century and was commissioned during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King. The estate was gifted to his son, the Count of Toulouse, as a private retreat for the royal family. Designed for leisure and outdoor pursuits, it served as the royal hunting residence.

Louis XIV ordered the construction of a dedicated road, later known as the Allée de la Bretèche, connecting the Château de Versailles directly to the property. The King and his court would travel here on horseback to hunt and entertain, making the estate an intimate extension of royal life.

Over time, the Château has been a gathering place for prominent figures from Europe and beyond. Its guest list has included General Charles de Gaulle, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, members of the Belgian royal family, Pope John XXIII, distinguished statesmen, members of the French Academy, and celebrated artists and personalities. The property has long embodied elegance, discretion, and historical influence.

Today, the Château de la Bretèche stands as the only privately owned estate within the Grand Parc of Versailles, an extraordinary honor, as every other surrounding property is part of the national patrimony. Its heritage, setting, and provenance make it a truly irreplaceable piece of French history.

THE SALONS

The main château features four interconnected salons, each distinguished by their own atmosphere and historical significance. The first, the Blue Salon, is notable for its monumental tapestries. Located in the left wing of the château, it is preceded by an intimate boudoir that serves as a waiting room leading directly into the salon. The blue tones—reflected in both the carpets and historic tapestries—create a harmonious and immersive ambiance. The Blue Salon also opens onto the grand reception hall, traditionally reserved for the château’s most important events. Its walls bear the signatures of numerous French politicians, internationally renowned actors, and several members of the French Academy. Considered the true heart of the château, the Chinese Salon, the third salon, is adorned with finely crafted wood paneling. Its warm and inviting atmosphere naturally evokes images of memorable gatherings shared around the magnificent fireplace. The fourth salon, the Pink Salon, serves as the dining room and is ideally situated near the kitchen and pantry, offering a seamless balance of elegance and practicality. All four salons are arranged en enfilade, providing uninterrupted sightlines on one side toward the Madame Gate, and on the other across the open Versailles plain.

THE BEDROOMS

The property features numerous suites spread across the first and second floors, accessible by the grand staircase. These suites have hosted several members of the Belgian royal family, such as King Baudouin, who was still single at the time, as well as those who would later become King Albert and Queen Paola. Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte of Luxembourg, as well as Queen Marie José of ltaly, were also regular guests. It is noteworthy that the young Margrethe, who would later become Queen of Denmark, stayed at La Bretèche for months as a young girl, under the hospitality of Baroness Jules Guillaume. Finally, on May 25, 1949, Monsignor Roncalli, then Apostolic Nuncio, visited the château before later becoming Pope John XXIII.

Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, widow of King Albert, stayed several times at the Château de La Bretèche, a place she particularly cherished. These regular visits made the charming estate a familiar and beloved place in her heart. Although the château does not have a « Royal Suite » as such, it does house the « Queen’s Room », a space dedicated to her memory. This room, in honor of her frequent stays, reflects the special bond she had with the place. Through these moments spent in this peaceful setting, away from royal duties, La Bretèche became a true haven of peace for the queen.

ADDITIONAL RESIDENCES

The estate features several outbuildings that enhance the charm and functionality of the property. These include the caretaker’s house, as well as the orangery, an independent 400m2 house offering a spacious and pleasant setting. The hermitage, a characterful independent house, and the Dacha, a picturesque chalet in the forest with its pond, complete the ensemble. Today, these outbuildings are livable and serve as essential additions to complement the château housing.

ESTATE GROUNDS

The Château is set on more than 45 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring a private woodland, a serene park, a tranquil pond, and sweeping lawns perfectly suited for outdoor entertaining and elegant events. The estate also includes a tennis court, a swimming pool, and a private guard house, ensuring both comfort and discretion. Within the Château itself, a private discotheque adds a distinctive touch, offering a memorable venue for celebrations, gatherings, and leisure.

NEARBY AMENITIES

Just beyond the gates, the charming village of Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche offers all the essentials of French country living, including a gourmet bakery, welcoming cafés, specialty markets, grocery shops, and a selection of restaurants and terraces. Local beauty salons, wellness services, and boutique stores contribute to everyday comfort, while weekly farmers’ markets bring fresh produce and a lively sense of community. For golf enthusiasts, the prestigious Golf de Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche is located only moments away. Recognized as one of the most exclusive and celebrated private courses in Europe, it has hosted international tournaments and is admired for its history, atmosphere, and extraordinary natural setting.

 

 

 

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