There are dozens and dozens of châteaux in Île-de-France. Some are very (too?) famous, like Versailles or Vincennes. However, there are others that are a bit less recognized, and we definitely regret that. For example, we can mention Vaux-le-Vicomte (our all-time favorite) or the château d'Angervilliers, a quirky château located in the heart of an immense national park, a true paradise for urban exploration.
A Jump Through Time
Located just 35 km from Paris, in the commune of Angervilliers, stands a rather unique place known as the Domaine des Trois Colonnes. Built in the 14th century, this building has undergone many transformations over the years. Initially a feudal château, it was owned by the favorite of François I starting in 1555, and over time it transformed into an elegant little pink château typical of romanticism.
before making way for a Norman-style manor in the early 20th century.See this post on Instagram
Many famous names have stayed here over the years, like Chateaubriand and Madame de Staël. But it has also seen some tragedies, such as the suicide of one of its owners in the bathroom in 1792, as well as the tragic fate of the Weisweiller couple, who owned the estate during the Second World War.
rre mondiale. She will be deported to Auschwitz, from where she will not return; he will choose to commit suicide to escape this fate.
A place frozen in time
Abandoned in the 2000s by its last owner, the castle was then left to decay for a while. Part of the estate has since been rehabilitated, now housing the town hall (in the orangery) and the municipal library (in the old dovecote). The rest of the site is completely at the mercy of nature, much to the delight of urbex enthusiasts. The manor and its outbuildings are in a remarkably ruined state, where vegetation has taken over.
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Budding or experienced explorers flock here to admire the broken staircase, the romantic statues, and the impressive grounds of over 50 hectares, designed back in the day by Le Nôtre, who is also the mastermind behind the gardens of Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte. Within the park, you'll find three stunning Greco-Roman columns, remnants from another era that give the estate its name. It's a magical space, timeless, just waiting to be discovered.