The Château du Saussay is located in the town of Ballancourt-sur-Essonne, in the Essonne department, 16 km south-east of Arpajon.
At the heart of the former province of Hurepoix, the current estate was first a manor built on the foundations of a Templar commandery and a ruined feudal castle.
The manor was first sold by Philippe Cocheriau du Saucay in 1328 then, in the 15th century, the castellany of Sauçay was given by Louis XI to Olivier Le Daim, who combined with the sovereign the functions of barber, adviser and diplomat ! The site is then perfectly located on the road from Paris to Tours where the king resides.
At the beginning of the 18th century, the estate belonged to Jean-Baptiste de Gaumont (1663-1750), parliamentarian and protege of the Princess of Conti. It was he who refurbished the premises between 1709 and 1725.
Initially, the master's dwelling was restored but the whole kept a fortified appearance. It is then appealed to the pupil of Mansart, the architect Jean Aubert. The farm facing the house was demolished and a new building was erected there, which took on the same proportions as the first house. Shortly before the Revolution, a portal with pavilions was finally made.
In the 19th century, the château passed to the Colbert-Chabanais family, an exceptional library was fitted out, and new arrangements were made. The park is also affected by the work, redesigned by the landscaper Achille Duchêne. Finally, the property at the turn of the 20th century was acquired by the Bourbon-Busset family. The descendants of the writer and academician Jacques de Bourbon-Busset still occupy the premises…
This estate, surprising in its appearance (in a way, two neo-classical castles facing each other) is listed in the Inventory.
Open to the public on Sundays from April to August, as well as on public holidays. In August, only the park is accessible. Also open every day in September. Price: 4.50 euros (for the park) and 7 euros (with guided tour of the castle). Information on +33 1 64 93 28 05.
