Château de Ferrières

The Château de Ferrières was constructed between 1855 and 1859 on behalf of Baron James de Rothschild, one of France's wealthiest financiers of his time. Rothschild acquired the more than 3000-hectare estate from Joseph Fouché. For its construction, he commissioned the English architect Joseph Paxton, inspired by a visit to his cousin Mayer Amschel de Rothschild at Mentmore Towers, also designed by Paxton. The castle, which cost around 18 million Francs to build, was conceived as a permanent family residence and intended to represent their wealth. It combines elements of Italian Renaissance as well as French Louis-quatorze and Louis-seize styles. In 1870, during the Siege of Paris, the castle served as the headquarters for the Prussian King, Bismarck, and Moltke. Unsuccessful peace negotiations between Jules Favre and Otto von Bismarck also took place here. During World War II, the castle was occupied and plundered by German troops, after which it stood empty until 1959. Guy de Rothschild, who spent his childhood there, made it habitable again after 1959. He and his wife Hélène donated the castle to the Parisian universities in 1975. In 2009, due to high maintenance costs and low revenues, a potential sale of the listed castle was considered.

The Château de Ferrières is situated in Ferrières-en-Brie in the Seine-et-Marne department, within the Île-de-France region of France. It is located at an approximate elevation of 109 meters above sea level.

Visitors today have the opportunity to tour the castle. The basement, in particular, is accessible, while the upper floor frequently hosts exhibitions. Additionally, rooms can be rented for events such as receptions, parties, or film shoots.

• Château de Lésigny (castle), approx. 11.2 km away
• Château des Boulayes (castle), approx. 12.3 km away
• Château de la Houssaye (castle), approx. 13.9 km away
• Château de Châtres (castle), approx. 14.5 km away