Pavilions and Entrance Gate
As you approach the Château des Ormes, the entrance unfolds through an ornate gate flanked by two enclosing walls and adorned with two lateral pavilions. Dating back to the 1760s, these pavilions, crafted by Pierre Meusnier, underwent a transformation in the 1770s, with terraces added to seamlessly blend with the antique and Italian-inspired residence designed by Charles de Wailly on the courtyard side. The right pavilion was secluded from the estate starting in 1793 and remained isolated for part of the 19th century. In contrast, the left pavilion was expanded with additional structures and an inner courtyard for the caretaker in the 19th century. The mansard roofs, along with the gate, which replaced the 18th-century one bearing the Argenson family’s coat of arms, also date from this period.
On the opposite side of the national road, you can visit another monument, constructed between 1766 and 1768 and attributed to Charles de Wailly. Named « La Bergerie » (“The Sheepfold”) in homage to its use in the 19th and 20th centuries, it has been under municipal ownership since 1975. Explore these architectural wonders, each telling a unique story within the rich history of Château des Ormes.