The national estate of Marly-Le-Roi consisted of a fragmented architectural whole
By 1670, Louis XIV was dreaming of a more intimate château, far removed from the grandeur and splendor of Versailles. For this project, he chose Marly and its game-filled valley. In the spring of 1679, construction of the estate began, based on ideas by the painter Le Brun, then on plans by Hardouin-Mansart. Louis XIV made his first visit to the estate in 1684. As his reign progressed, being invited to one of Marly's country parties became the most coveted honor. Etiquette was relaxed, and the sovereign was brought into close contact. The estate consists of a fragmented architectural ensemble: in the center, the square-plan royal château; in its extension, 12 pavilions for guests, with a succession of ponds; and the park adorned with groves, sculptures and water features fed by the famous Machine. Louis XIV found Marly an ideal setting for his passion for architecture, and the opportunity to create an ideal place more flexibly than Versailles and its pre-existing château. Under the Regency, Marly was on the verge of disappearing, but the Duc de Saint-Simon fought and won the case. Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were the last to stay there, and after the Revolution, the estate was abandoned. In 1879, an industrialist bought it and had the château demolished. Today, all that remains are the park and the watering hole, adorned with the famous horses sculpted by Coustou. The Musée Promenade, located next to the royal gate, traces the history of the Sun King's vanished château.
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Members' reviews on NATIONAL ESTATE OF MARLY LE ROI
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Parc bien entretenu. Le musée est très intéressant concernant l'histoire du pavillon royal ou de la machine qui remontait l'eau de la seine sur un dénivelé de 120 mètres. Le personnel du musée est très agréable et fournit de nombreuses anecdotes ou informations sur les objets exposés.
Nous avons passé un bel après-midi.
Le seul bémol pour ce parc et à mon sens, un axe de progression est l'absence dans le parc d'un ou deux espaces de jeux pour les enfants (jeux classiques mais en bois, ou jeux pour faire découvrir l'histoire du parc de manière ludique et sur un mode terra aventura ou autre chasse aux trésors p.ex,).
Plusieurs options de promenades en partant dans la forêt, ou en serpentant sur les allées historique. Du dénivelé pour de la marche rapide ou pour ceux qui courent. De grande pelouse pour flâner ou pique-niquer. Des panneaux informatifs pour en apprendre un peu sur l'ancien château de villégiature de Louis XIV qui existait alors.
Beaucoup de potentiel pas encore mis en valeur.