Méréville Departmental Estate

The Méréville garden was undoubtedly one of the most accomplished works of the 18th century in the history of garden design. Marquis Jean-Joseph de Laborde, a wealthy financier, purchased Méréville in 1784 and decided to transform the park into a landscaped garden. At the time, English-style gardens were in vogue in France, characterized by layouts closely resembling natural forms and embellished with follies.
The overall composition of the park, the course of the Juine River, the shape of the large lake, the layout of the paths, the arrangement of the plantings, and the follies (the mill, the rock bridge, and the early models for the rostral column and the mahogany bridge) are attributed to the architect and garden designer François Bélanger. Hubert Robert, a renowned painter specializing in landscapes and ruins, succeeded him in the creation of this exemplary site. The construction of the Méréville garden employed up to 400 workers.

In the 20th century, the condition of the château and park deteriorated, and the site remained closed to the public. In 1977 and 1978, the château and park were listed as Historical Monuments.

On December 4, 2000, the Essonne General Council acquired the Méréville Estate. A plan was initiated for the restoration and future use of the site, with the aim of preserving, rehabilitating, and making this exceptional heritage accessible to the public.