Château de Bercy

The Château de Bercy, once a magnificent example of French architecture and opulence, stood proudly in Charenton-le-Pont, a suburb of Paris. Though it no longer exists, its legacy continues to captivate those who delve into its rich history. Built in the 17th century and completed in the early 18th century, this opulent estate was a symbol of grandeur and aristocratic life in France.

The Location of Château de Bercy

The Château de Bercy was strategically situated in what is now the area around Gare de Lyon in Charenton. Its extensive grounds stretched across parts of what we now know as the Bercy district in Paris, extending from the Seine to the Rue de Charenton. The estate was bordered by prominent landmarks and properties, including the Pâté Pâris to the north and the Château de Conflans to the south. This prime location offered a blend of urban proximity and serene landscapes, making it an ideal retreat for the French nobility.

The Early History

Before the grand château was erected, the land was part of the seigneurie of Bercy, which was documented as early as 1383. This vast area included a fortified manor known as the Hôtel de Bercy, which came into the possession of the Malon family in 1521 through marriage. Jacques de Malon, whose lineage was ennobled by Louis XI, laid the foundation for what would become one of the most illustrious estates in France.

The Construction of the Château

The transformation of the estate began in earnest in 1658 when Charles-Henri de Malon de Bercy commissioned the construction of a new château. Designed by François Le Vau, brother of the renowned Louis Le Vau, the architect behind Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles, the project aimed to create a residence befitting the Malon family's status. Although Charles-Henri passed away in 1676, leaving the central logis and the eastern wing incomplete, his vision was carried forward by his descendants.

Anne Louis Jules Malon de Bercy, Charles-Henri's son, continued the construction, adding the western wing and designing the southern park. His efforts also led to the creation of a grand forecourt to the north. By the time of his death in 1706, the château had begun to take its final form, although it was Charles Henri Malon de Bercy, his son, who completed the interior decorations and other finishing touches by 1742.

The Gardens and Landscape

The gardens of the Château de Bercy were a marvel in their own right. Designed by André Le Nôtre, the famed landscape architect behind the gardens of Versailles, they featured a grand parterre with intricate broderies and a central tapis vert. This lush expanse was one of the most luxurious in France during the late 17th century. The gardens also included a terrace overlooking the Seine, offering breathtaking views of the river.

As was common during the 18th century, the elaborate parterres were simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The gardens also featured traditional alleys and promenades, providing a tranquil escape for the château's residents and guests.

From One Family to Another

The Château de Bercy remained in the Malon family until the late 18th century. After the death of Charles-Henri Malon de Bercy in 1742, the estate passed to his descendants, eventually coming into the possession of Gabriel de Nicolaÿ in the early 19th century. Gabriel de Nicolaÿ, who served as a chamberlain to Emperor Napoleon I and later as mayor of Bercy, was the last private owner of the château. Under his stewardship, the château hosted numerous events, including theatrical performances with his friends.

The Dismantling of the Château

As the 19th century progressed, the urbanization of Paris began to encroach upon the once-sprawling estate. The construction of wine warehouses along the Seine and the establishment of the Thiers Wall in 1841 led to the gradual reduction of the château's grounds. The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century further fragmented the estate, with six hectares being expropriated for the Paris to Lyon railway line.

By 1861, the Château de Bercy had fallen into disuse and was ultimately demolished. The land was repurposed for industrial and transportation needs, marking the end of an era. Today, only the two pavilions that once served as the château's outbuildings remain, standing as silent witnesses to the grandeur that once was.

While the Château de Bercy may no longer grace the banks of the Seine, its legacy endures in the annals of French history. Its story is a testament to the architectural brilliance and opulent lifestyle of the French aristocracy, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance and grandeur.