Private Guided Tour of the Château de Grosbois
Just outside Paris, the Château de Grosbois invites visitors to discover a unique historic
estate where aristocratic heritage, imperial history and French equestrian tradition come
together in a remarkable preserved setting.
Owned since 1962 by the Société d’Encouragement à l’Élevage du Cheval Français, the
Grosbois estate combines the elegance of a 17th-century château with the prestigious world
of French trotting horses. The estate now includes a major training center as well as the
Museum of Trotting Horses.
Built in the early 17th century by architect Florent Fournier, the château features an elegant
U-shaped layout surrounding a grand courtyard entered through an impressive gilded gate.
Its Louis XIII wings, designed by Jean Thiriot, reflect the refined aristocratic architecture of
the period.
A residence shaped by French history
From Raoul Moreau, Treasurer of the Royal Treasury, to Nicolas de Harlay, Minister of
Finance under King Henry IV, the château welcomed several important figures of French
history.
Among them was Charles de Valois, Duke of Angoulême, the illegitimate son of King
Charles IX, known both for his passion for hunting and for his political intrigues and
adventurous life. The estate still preserves traces of its historic hunting vocation through its
décor and surrounding woodland.
Marshal Berthier and the imperial hunting parties
The château’s most famous owner was undoubtedly Alexandre Berthier, Marshal of the
Empire, Prince of Wagram and Napoleon I’s trusted Chief of Staff.
Sometimes referred to as the “shadow marshal,” Berthier played a decisive role in
Napoleon’s military campaigns. At Grosbois, he organized magnificent imperial hunting
parties and transformed the château into a prestigious residence of the First Empire.
The tour explores both his remarkable military career and his personal life, in a château still
deeply marked by the memory of the Napoleonic era.
Visitors may admire the Gallery of Battles, decorated with representations of major imperial
victories.
A guided tour between imperial history and French art de vivre
This private guided tour includes:
- the château’s historic salons,
- Louis XIII and Empire interiors,
- the Gallery of Battles,
- the family library containing nearly 3,000 volumes,
- the history of the estate and its prestigious owners.
The Louis XIV and Empire furniture, refined interiors and intimate atmosphere provide a rare
immersion into French aristocratic and imperial life.
Practical information
- Private tours by reservation only
- Tours available for groups
- Tours available in French, English, Russian and Armenian
Meeting point:
46 avenue de Grosbois
94440 Marolles-en-Brie
The estate is located near Paris-Vincennes, between Boissy-Saint-Léger and Marolles-en-Brie.
Access
By car:
From Paris, take the RN19 towards Provins.
By public transportation:
From Châtelet–Les Halles, take the RER A to Boissy-Saint-Léger, then buses APTR 4012,
4021, 4022 or 4023 towards Marolles-en-Brie.
Bookings: reservation@visite-guidee.com
