Category Archives: History

The Glorious and Distinctive History of The Best French Châteaux

Activities, HistoryApril 2020

 

A Chateau in France is the singular of chateaux and forms a very special place at the heart of French society and culture.  Originally defensive strongholds, they rapidly came to be anything from medieval keeps, castles and towers to decoratively elegant palaces and manor houses to represent the seats of power of their owners.

 

They can be found all over France but are most numerous in the Loire Valley region in the North West of the country. There are several notable and world-famous chateaux in the country the show the glorious and distinctive history of France, her rulers and her people.

 

 

 

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5 Best Historical Paris Landmarks You Absolutely Must See

Activities, Exclusive Stay, HistoryApril 2020

A trip to the City of Lights will never be solely about immersing oneself in the artistic treasures of the Louvre, marvelling at the intricate Gothic detailing or flying buttresses of Notre-Dame Cathedral, or even revelling in sumptuous interiors during your downtimes in the prestigious chateau.

 

That’s because, with its distinguished history stretching back to the third century BC, as well as the ease with which it can be explored on foot, Paris will always serve up fresh and undiscovered delights to the sufficiently curious visitor.

 

In many different districts, some of the monuments are massive and others are humble, but they are all part of Paris’s and France’s history. Here, then, are the selection of the best of the unsung Parisian landmarks that are well worth incorporating into your itinerary during your time in this incomparable art, historical and fashion capital.   

 

 

 

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THE WORLD OF CHÂTEAU BOUFFÉMONT: FIAC, International Fair of Contemporary Art

Activities, Events, HistoryOctober 2019

Our digital newsletter keeps you up to date with everything happening at Château Bouffémont – this week we delve into FIAC, International Fair of Contemporary Art.

 

 

A land of rolling pastoral hills and picturesque rivers, the Val-d’Oise region invites gentle reflections on nature and the self. Camille Pissarro’s paintings of ‘the essential nature of things’; Claude Monet’s Impressionist works formed in field-fresh air; Vincent Van Gogh’s Post-Impressionist dream fragments: imaginations have wandered through these green valleys and discovered in themselves unheard-of ideas.

 

This week we see FIAC, International Fair of Contemporary Art, launch in the heart of Paris. It offers a continuation of artistic imaginings and creativity, with a selection of almost 200 galleries – from Amsterdam to Zurich, New York to Tehran – given spaces in the city to exhibit works. Installations come from the modern masters of the early 21st century through to those pushing the boundaries of contemporary artistic thought. And with our French château near Paris, conveniently situated just 30km from the centre of the city, your stay affords the perfect time to visit this renowned art fair.

 

 

Among the grandeur of iconic Parisian settings, from the Grand Palais as a bastion of Art Nouveau to the Musée du Louvre, FIAC throws open the doors of the contemporary art world. Observe and explore vibrant aesthetics, immersive performances, cinematics and movements that crackle with potential. You can even experience a revival of Henri Matisse in joyful and unexpected forms, thanks to collaborations with Maison Matisse and artists given the opportunity to celebrate him through their own expressions.

 

Switch seamlessly from a royal château in France to regal glories, designed to showcase Parisian splendour to the world. The decorative intricacies of the Grand and Petit Palais, and the verdant Jardin des Tuileries, are works of art in themselves. They make an ideal backdrop to this international art event and host the majority of FIAC installations.

 

As you enter the Grand Palais, a billboard by Emekah Ogboh sets the tone for visitors with a thought-provoking message. Once beneath the glass-domed roof – a feat of Art Nouveau architecture, with its masterful ironwork – you can wander the many booths, which incorporate a large sculptural work by Yayoi Kusama in the Victoria Miro booth through to landmark pieces from the Hauser & Wirth collection. You can also meet artists, attend book signings on the Balcon d’honneur and more.

 

 

While you have to have a ticket to see the Grand Palais installations and events, the FIAC Programs also include a cultural performance program (Parades for FIAC), conferences (Conversation Room) and film screenings (Cinéphémère), that are free and open access – many hosted within the Petit Palais. Make your way past the imposing yet alluring golden gates into the marbled atrium, and explore the setting of this sister to the Grand Palais. The inner garden provides a thoughtful and picturesque setting in which to contemplate, discuss, or simply sit quietly for a moment. Close by, Jeff Koons’ ‘Bouquet of Tulips’ offers a tribute to the victims of the Paris terror attacks in the Champs-Élysées gardens.

 

 

This year, FIAC continues to offer a series of Hors les Murs, Outside the Walls, exhibitions in spaces beyond the Grand and Petit Palais. Head to Place de la Vendôme to experience more of Yayoi Kusama with her enormous, inflatable polka dot pumpkin. In the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, take in the beauty of the garden cloaked in its autumnal colours, and enjoy twenty artworks that respond to their richly historical surroundings. If you’re imaginative in your observation of the garden, you’ll be rewarded. John M. Armleder’s new reading of his ‘Furniture Sculpture FS 85a’ sees three chairs suspended from trees in the Jardin du Tuileries, transforming this monumental work.

 

 

When you have taken your fill of art and let your imagination run free, our château near Paris awaits your return for a peaceful place to reflect. See you next time, for more news from us at the Château Bouffémont.

 

Keep in touch at @chateaubouffemont

 

The World of the Château Bouffémont: Exploring Montmorency Forest

Activities, HistoryApril 2019

Our digital newsletter keeps you up to date with everything happening at Château Bouffémont – this week, we take a trip into the beautiful forest of Montmorency

 

 

With its lavish Beaux Arts architecture and magnificent interior of wood-panelling and crystal chandeliers, the Château Bouffémont is a 19th century jewel in the heart of the verdant Val-d’Oise.

 

Beyond the Château’s own five hectares of split-level gardens guests can enjoy striking views of the ancient forest of Montmorency – our grounds are perched right on the edge of the woods, in perfect fairy tale style. Here we take a journey into the forest to discover all the magic that Montmorency has to offer.

 

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5 Jaw-Dropping Features of the Resplendent Château Bouffémont

Exclusive Stay, Favourite, HistoryAugust 2018

Chateau Wedding

If you are even contemplating staying overnight or holding an event at a French chateau, you will naturally wish to choose a property that draws the eye and woos every person who sees it.

This is why, when you select the historic stone-built Château Bouffémont as your private venue for such purposes, it’s reassuring to know that you can experience all of the below…  

 

The stunning estate

It is customary for many a French chateau to be set in spectacular manicured grounds. However, even by those standards, the five acres of verdant greenery surrounding Château Bouffémont have to be seen to be believed.

After all, there aren’t too many French chateaus that can offer such jaw-dropping gardens as ours over not just one, or even two, but three levels, exuding the French classicism that informed the entire design of our estate.

 

The extensive terrace

Where is the finest spot from which to survey the entirety of the estate during your short time as lord of the manor at Château Bouffémont?

That may come down to individual taste, but the noble stone-built property’s 120-square-metre terrace certainly affords quite the place to relax with your favourite tipple as you gaze across our extensive gardens and contemplate how to idle the day away.  

 

The halls and living rooms

If the sight of the outside of our fairytale venue would already seem to leave you spellbound enough, you simply have to see how the magic continues inside.

Such tasteful, historically sensitive touches as crystal chandeliers, authentic wood panelling and fine fabrics across prestigious spaces like the Dandy Lounge, Grand Salon and Salon des Anges serve as a testament to the remarkable skills and judgement of the Italian architects, Augusto Busnelli and Marco Allievi.  

 

The suites and guest rooms

Château Bouffémont comprises nine prestigious suites and rooms that are capable of accommodating as many as 27 guests.

These beautifully furnished spaces also demonstrate how adept our venue is at blending aristocratic charm with modern comforts such as flat-screen televisions, radios, telephones, the Internet and Wi-Fi.

 

Its location in the heart of the Montmorency Forest

One could scarcely choose a more desirable setting for a French chateau than the Montmorency Forest. As the website of the suburban railway service SNCF Transilien explains, this natural area is an invaluable green lung of the Val d’Oise region, 90% of its surface being covered in sweet chestnut trees. It is also an excellent playground for the more active type, with such activities as walking, mountain biking and horse riding all taking place here.

It is also from here that the visitor can easily reach the cosmopolitan delights of Paris, which is situated a mere 30 kilometres from the French chateau.

Many of the world’s most renowned art galleries, museums, historical sites, theatres, restaurants and cafes await your discovery in the French capital. So if you have day trips in mind, why not read the Paris tourist office’s own advice about the many great things to see and do in the city?

Such ingredients as the above all show that Château Bouffémont can be depended on to take the breath away of everyone who encounters this sought-after former residence of the Marquise of Preignes and Baron Empain. Contact us today, and you will soon be able to experience it for yourself.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HISTORY

HistorySeptember 2014

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The Château Bouffémont was built during the reign of Napoleon III (in 1860) by the Vallée family. After a short period when it belonged to the marquise de Preignes, it was permanently acquired by the Empain family, through the major general baron Empain.

 

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Edouard Louis Joseph Empain comes from a family of five siblings (three girls and two boys) and spends his childhood in Belgium. General and aide-de-camp of King Leopold, he is knighted by the king in 1907. He  founds a company that will become an industrial empire: the Compagnie du Chemin de Fer métropolitain de Paris built and exploited Paris railroads, among others, until 1945.

Following Edouard Empain’s death just after World War II, in 1946, his wife takes over the Château’s management. Nearly three generations of Empain will live there for over half a century.

Similarly to the residences of the nobility of the era, the Château includes large annexes stretching over a 250-hectare domain, at the heart of the Montmorency forest. The inhabitants of Bouffémont are involved in the Château’s activity and provide the manual labour and farm work for the Empain family.

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Involved in the welfare and prosperity of the village community, the Château was the setting of the traditional award ceremony for schoolchildren.

Located in the Oise department, 30 km (18.5 miles) from Paris, at the edge of the Montmorency forest, the Château is now a private residence, fully dedicated to rental.  Boasting an architecture and Louis XIII style furniture, the Belle Epoque has left its mark on the Château.