La Ferté-Vidame, town of art and history

A town with a strong history, it owes its prestigious past to a number of illustrious inhabitants, including: the Duc de Saint-Simon, Marquis de Laborde, Duc de Penthièvre and King Louis-Philippe.

The château and grounds of la Ferté-Vidame

Formerly owned by the Duc de Saint-Simon, it was there that the famous memoir writer wrote most of his work. It was bought in 1764 by the Marquis de Laborde, a big financier and banker to the Court of Louis XV, who built an enormous palace (all that remains today are very imposing ruins) and laid out one of the largest French-style grounds of the 18th century. Built of brick and stone by Saint-Simon and enlarged by Louis-Philippe, the outbuildings offer a very fine view of the grounds.

Unaccompanied tours from 1st April to 31st October between 9h00 and 19h00 and from 1st November to 31st March between 9h00 and 17h30. For groups of at least 10, you can benefit from the services of one of our speakers (ask at the Tourist Office, Pavillon Saint-Dominique, at the entrance to the grounds to the left of the main gate. Tel: 02 37 37 68 59).

Tour of the Espace Saint-Simon and screening of a diaporama "La Ferté-Vidame, 1000 years of art and history" retracing the history of the estate and its illustrious occupants.

Saint-Nicolas Church

In 1659, Claude de Rouvroy, the Duc de Saint-Simon's father, built Saint-Nicolas church, famous for its baroque style. There are several paintings worth a look (large painting of the Last Supper). Illuminated at night.

Saint-Nicolas church is open every day from 9h00 to 18h00.

Réveillon Chapel

A real gem in its verdant setting, beside a babbling stream, Réveillon chapel awaits your visit.

You can admire the roof structure in the form of an upturned boat and discover the 16th century wall paintings, a unique collection which has been given Ancient Monument status.

Guided tours with commentary in season (refer to the events diary). For group tours, ask the Tourist Office.

Louis de Rouvroy, duc de Saint-Simon (1675-1755)

Louis de Rouvroy, Duc de Saint-Simon, born in 1675, wrote most of his famous Memoirs in his Château de La Ferté-Vidame "his only built residence". In this vast historiographic œuvre, he relates, quite frankly, the actions and movements of the Sun King's courtiers.

Jean-Joseph de Laborde (1724-1794)

After the duke's death, the Marquis de Laborde bought the château. With enlightened taste, the marquis drew on his immense fortune to renovate La Ferté.

(In just a few years, he changed the appearance of the estate and the surrounding countryside. He replaced the old feudal residence with a magnificent château, around 160 m long, surrounded by very fine French-style gardens, adorned with ornamental lakes.

Now you can only admire the imposing ruins. During the Revolution, the château remained intact, but speculative estate agents began to dismantle it at the end of the 18th century.)

Duc de Bourbon-Penthièvre (1725-1793)

The duc de Bourbon-Penthièvre lived in Rambouillet but Louis XVI put pressure on him to give up his estate. He received La Ferté-Vidame in return.

Louis Philippe (1773-1850)

At the Restoration, the estate was returned to the Orléans family and became the property of King Louis Philippe. He had the outbuildings converted and enlarged as a residence, while awaiting the restoration of the main château, planned in 1845. However, the 1848 revolution put an end to this plan.