Monuments to visit Ile-De-France

Located in the historic Grande Ecurie du Roi, opposite Versailles castle, the Municipal Archives is the living memory of the city. Their mission is to collect, classify and inventory the written heritage of Versailles. But rather than keeping these historical records secret, the Municipal archives regularly highlight its treasures by organizing exhibitions on themes that are always related to the history or heritage of the Royal City.

It builds from the th century, first the feudal castle and the church Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Linked to the Kingdom of France, it had a strategic military role between Gâtinais and Champagne. Built around 1160, the citadel dominates the Loing, a body of-metre long houses, crowned with four circular turrets of pepper roofs. A formidable bastion, access to the dungeon was at the height of the 1 st floor. One strip, covered passage, connected the castle to the square tower the dominant tower.

In Gâtinais, perched on a rocky promontory, the ancient medieval town, cradle of the Plantagenêts, preserved its ramparts, a castle of some vestiges. As for Saint-Severin Abbey which was part of the fortifications of the city, it remains an example of defensive religious architecture.

The city walls supporting the round roads are two metres thick. In the strong city, the narrow streets remind the memory of the men in arms.

Built at the end of the th century by Count Robert I of Dreux, fifth brother of King Louis VII, true fortress with integrated dungeon, characteristic of medieval architecture of the th century, he is the only one in Ile-de-France to present a square plan flanked by six round towers and two square towers surrounded by moat. He is the object of excavations, regularly delivers his treasures and nourishes an evolutionary exhibition over the discoveries.

Hector Guimard was the masterpiece of this magnificent building in 1894 and 1898 at La Fontaine, a stone's throw from the Maison de Radio France. Without surprises, the building was decorated with the price of the Most Beautiful Facade of Paris of the year 1898.

Built in 1990, this 32-metre high aeration system consists of six hundred and seventy-two tubes which, at night, are reflected in the buildings surrounding it.

This is a rectangular basin with the enamels of Venice and is signed by Yaacov Agam. A basement installation helps maintain water movement.

This 12-metre height bronze is the work of the famous César, creator of the trophy rewarding film professionals.

The bridge of Sully bears the name of the great minister of Henri IV, Maximilian of Béthune duke of Sully. The book was inaugurated in 1877 and was designed by the engineers Vaudrey and Brosselin. It is 160 metres long and consists of three arches. The bridge is actually made up of two bridges built in the extension of each other. This rare iron book is located at the southern tip of Saint-Louis Island. It is occupied by the square Barye, a charming green space where you can make a stop during the walk.

Designed by the architect Visconti, from 1843 to 1848, she was decorated with statues of four famous bishops: Bossuet, Fénelon, Massillon and Fléchier, designating the Parisian people to the four Cardinal points.

The door Saint-Denis - 1672 - and the Saint Martin gate - 1674 - were built on the order of Louis XIV to celebrate his victories on the Rhine and in Franche-Comté. These two doors mark the location of the doors of Paris of the former Charles V. They are classified Historic Monuments.

Edmée Bouchardon sculpted her between 1739 and 1747, one of the few fountains erected in the first half of the th century. The three main statues are allegorical figures of the City of Paris situated between the Seine and the Marne. The Four seasons are represented in the side niches of the fountain. The triangular pediment, decorated with a crown of laurel, was originally a rehaussé of the weapons of France.

The Invalides Bridge, built between 1854 and 1856, was built on the piers of a first bridge built in 1829. During construction, a central battery was added to ensure the strength of the work. This pile is decorated with allegorical sculptures: «The land victory» of Victor Vilain (upstream) and «The Naval Victory» of Georges Diebolt (downstream), to whom we also owe the famous Zouave du pont de l 'Alma. Note that if it bears a name that evokes the Hotel des Invalides, it is its neighbor, the Pont Alexandre III bridge, facing the Army Museum.

This Buddhist centre is one of the largest in Europe with its 8,000 m². It was financed 80% by the Taiwanese monastic order Fo Guang Shan and 20% by the faithful. It is part of a vast ecumenical laboratory project, a large esplanade dedicated to religions in the heart of the Sycamore eco-neighbourhood. This giant temple displays a resolutely Zen, refined and mineral architecture. No golden ostentation or gigantic shimmering pagodas. Wood, stone, glass and raw concrete make the whole modern and sober. It contrasts this with, for example, the typical pagoda visible in the Vincennes woods. In any case, it houses spaces dedicated to meditation, prayer, many rooms for venerable guests during spiritual retreats, etc. Exhibitions are also visible. Don't miss the 5 m high White Jade Buddha in the main area. It should be noted that photos are prohibited in its bosom and that to visit it it is preferable to show white paws and to have the widest smile. At the exit, take the opportunity to continue your journey along the path to discover the other temples recently built or under construction, giving the area a very atypical multi-religious aspect.

Surrounded by a 110 ha park and a pond dotted with giant rhododendrons, the Neuville Castle offers an enchanting setting. His story began in 1560 when Joachim de Bellengreville, Provost Marshal of the Hotel du Roy ordered its construction. After having experienced several owners, the residence was rebuilt in 1756 by Marchioness Agnes de Revol, who edited his defensive appearance and bestowed his current form, before surrendering it in 1765 to Clément del Averdy, Comptroller General of Finance and Benefactor for Gambais. After a period of abandonment and wars, the castle, recorded from its ruins by the family of Labriffe, still owner. In the 1960 s, it was taken in hands and classified as historic monument. The area has been the subject of regular catering campaigns and now houses seminars and weddings in the sumptuous setting of elegant lounges with antique furniture. Many film shoots took place there like Ane's skin, the Dangerous links, Cyrano or ridiculous. In the park, on the outskirts of the castle, lies the Neuville de Neuville, a large building built in the early th century, more rustic than the castle, where you can also organize receptions.