Château de Villeconin

The origins of the Château de Villeconin date back to the late 14th century, specifically to 1372, when Gérard de Montaigu acquired the estate. Montaigu, a confidant of King Charles V, began transforming the then-farm into a stately manor. He was married to Biette de Cassinel, Charles V's mistress. After his death in 1391, his son Jean de Montagu inherited the estates and offices. Jean de Montagu, who also served as Superintendent of Finance and Grand Master at the court of Charles VI, had the castle's guardroom and moats constructed and connected it to the Château de la Grange via an underground passage. His career ended tragically when he was beheaded in 1409, and his possessions were confiscated. From this early construction phase, moats, a keep, and a tower are still preserved. In 1567, the de Cochefilet family acquired the castle and extensively modernized it, altering its medieval appearance in favor of a pleasure residence. The drawbridge was removed, and new entrances and windows were created in the guardroom and keep. In the 17th century, the estate changed hands several times before belonging to the Marquis de Talaru at the time of the French Revolution, who was executed in 1794. The Château was subsequently confiscated as a national asset and sold as farmland. It was not until 1932 that it was acquired by Henry de Jouvencel, who initiated a comprehensive restoration and rehabilitated the buildings and parklands. Since 1973, the castle has been open to the public.

The Château de Villeconin is situated in the French municipality of Villeconin in the Essonne department, which belongs to the Île-de-France region. It is located at an elevation of approximately 90 meters above sea level.

The Château de Villeconin is privately owned and accessible to visitors. The de Longevialle family, the current owners, open the castle during the European Heritage Days and by appointment for groups.

• Château de Dourdan (castle), approx. 8.5 km away
• Château d'Étampes (château), approx. 8.9 km away
• Château de Briis (castle), approx. 12.5 km away
• Château de Montlhéry (castle), approx. 17.4 km away