LE CHÂTEAU

 

Located just one hour east of Paris, in the picturesque Aulnoy village in the heart of the Brie region, the Chateau de la Houssiere is the perfect destination to bring to life the event of your dreams. Whether you seek an intimate wedding weekend or a more grand and elaborate affair, we are here to help you host the celebration of a lifetime with your guests. Our historical countryside estate, featuring an authentic 15th century chateau surrounded by 6.5 hectares (16 acres) of private grounds, will serve as a most stunning backdrop for your special day. The city of Coulommiers is a short five minute drive away while the champagne region is only 30 minutes east of the château.
The name Houssière which translates to “holly” in english is a nod to the numerous holly plants that were abundantly seen on the château grounds centuries ago. Today, although less prolific, remnants of these holly shrubs can be seen in the gardens.

A fully restored château

 

The Chateau is a four-story structure and residence that is currently undergoing complete restoration and renovation lead by a historical building certified architect from the Parisian architecture firm ABDPA. Once complete, the Chateau will offer a beautiful reception area on the main floor that will accommodate up to 200 guests for a seated dinner. The upper floors will house 14 newly remodeled bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Reservations are available now for events beginning in Summer 2020.

History

 

 

Although the four towers surrounding the Château date back to the 16th century, Thomas d’Aulnoy or “de la houssière” received the Château as a gift from King Louis IX decades earlier in 1250. The original fairy tale author, Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy lived with the Baron of Aulnoy in the château during the 17th century. Over two centuries later, the Château was owned by the De Charnacé family for over 200 years beginning in 1809. Around the middle of the 19th century, the existing château structure was completely redone by famed French architect Louis-Jules Bouchot. 

Wedding & Events

 

Have you always dreamed of having a fairytale wedding in a French château? It would be our pleasure to help you organize your special day at the Château de la Houssière. We are here to help you achieve the wedding you have always imagined. Whether it be an intimate al fresco affair, a glamorous candlelit dinner in the château ballroom, or even an epic event in a crystal tent installed in the château gardens; our greatest satisfaction is in providing you and your guests with an unforgettable event in a beautiful and authentic setting.

Reception Areas

The Grand Salon Prestige features a large 200m² open space adorned with original panelings and moldings on the walls and ceilings. Three decorative fireplaces, mirrors, 5 crystal chandeliers and wall fixtures, and beautiful oak hardwood flooring all create the perfect atmosphere for your event. 

The Salle de Pressoir, adjacent to the prior château horse stables is the ideal spot for your pre-dinner drinks and canapés as an alternative to the outdoor gardens. This 120m² space with beautiful wooden beams and stone walls features the original château apple press. We recommend this location for a covered cocktail hour for up to 200 guests or for a seated dinner for up to 110 guests. 

Wedding ceremony and organization: The château grounds are the perfect backdrop for your outdoor wedding ceremony. We are here to assist our out-of-town couples organize and plan their special day from A to Z. We can source the vendors you need, whether it be the perfect caterer, the bi-lingual wedding officiant, or the one-of-a-kind floral designer. The Château de la Houssière is one of the rare wedding venues in France which does not impose a specific caterer or vendor list. You are free to work with any professional vendors of your choosing. 

 

Venue Capacity

  • The Grand Salon Prestige, Salle du billard, Salle des Vitraux: 200m² (up to 200 guests for a seated dinner)
  • The Mignonnettes Terrace: 300m² (up to 300 guests for a cocktail hour or outdoor event)
  • La Salle de Pressoir: 120m² (up to 200 guests for a cocktail hour or 110 guests for a seated dinner)
  • The château gardens: 6 hectares
  • 14 bedrooms and suites with en suite bathrooms for up to 34 guests

 

Accommodations

 

A bit of history about our bedrooms…
In the 17th century, Marie-Catherine, the Countess of Aulnoy, married the Baron of Aulnoy and lived with her husband in the château for several years. She is the original fairy tale writer and is actually credited with coining the term fairy tale. She lived and wrote her works during the same period as her more famous male counterpart, Charles Perrault, the author of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Puss in Boots. As an act of reverence to Madame d’Aulnoy, the premier fairy tale author, we have named all 14 of our château bedrooms after one of her fairy tales. The bedrooms each feature a small tableau of the illustrations associated with her tales. Intrigued? Why not plan a getaway to come stay in the La Grenouille Bienfaisante “The Benevolent Frog” or in La Princesse Printanière “The Princess Mayblossom” suite. 

You will have access to 14 newly remodeled suites and guest rooms for up to 34 guests with quality, modern furnishings. The bedrooms each boast different views of the grounds; facing the beautiful village church and south gardens, the majestic west main entrance allée, the farm on the east end, and the Dove-cot and stables on the north end. 
The ground floor features one guest room accessible to those with disabilities. 

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