Égreville
Égreville is a historic commune in Seine-et-Marne, near the Loiret and Yonne departments. Located about 20 km from Nemours and 100 km from Paris, it has deep-rooted history dating back to around 1100 with noble families and a legacy as a medieval fief. Garmond I acquired the fief of Écreignot, beginning the Égreville lordship that saw influential families and figures through the centuries.
The Égreville Château, now a private property, began as a fortified castle around 1150. Modified in 1455 and during the Renaissance, it became the property of Anne de Pisseleu, mistress of King François I. Later owners, like Marshal Claude de La Châtre, transformed the castle grounds, creating a grand Renaissance-style courtyard with a three-arched bridge. Over time, figures like the painter Berne-Bellecour and composer Jules Massenet restored the castle, adding modern amenities. Massenet and his family retained it until the 20th century.
Nearby, the Champarts and Recette building, with a rare 15th-century ship-hull roof, stored collected agricultural dues and grains. This building, once misnamed “la Dîme,” served as Juliette Massenet’s residence.
The Église Saint-Martin was built on the site of a chapel in the 13th century and later expanded. It features a significant bell tower and contains some tombstones saved from damage during the French Revolution. The church underwent restorations, notably in 1821 and again in the 1960s, adding modern elements.
Finally, the Market Hall, built in the 15th century after an earlier structure was destroyed, is a rare architectural structure. With eight oak bays originally on ground level, it was later elevated on stone bases for preservation and is known for its unique design, similar to the famous hall in Milly-la-Forêt.