The town of Marcoussis is worth the detour to see the historical wonders of my belle France, I was passing in my road warrior trails and glad stop by briefly to sneak see the king’s pavilion, and sadly no time to see more in town, we will be back, eventually. And course, glad found me these pictures in my cd rom vault to show in my blog for you and me, The town of Marcoussis is located in the Essonne department no, 91 in the Île-de-France region of my belle France. Therefore, this is my take on the Pavillon du Roi of Marcoussis !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
The Pavillon du Roi or King’s Pavilion is located at Route de Bel-Air, in the town of Marcoussis, It is now private property ,I just took a peek mind you,,, The town is 55 km from Fontainebleau, 40 km from Paris, 26 km from Versailles, 456 km from my current home, I came here from Versailles along the Rue de la Paroise, Rue du Maréchal Foch, Avenue de l’Europe, Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Rue Royale then left on Rue Henri de Régnier over the railroad tracks to connect with the D938 road passing under the N12 highway continue to Toussus le Noble on roundabout bear left onto the D6 road or Route de Versailles which same road becomes the D361 road to connect at roundabout with bearing left the D36 road then bear right into the N118 highway dir Orsay get on a big roundabout dir Marcoussis on the D446 road or Route d’Orsay then bear left onto the D3 road or Route de Bel-Air continue and see on your right hand side the Pavillon du Roi,
In 1773, Louis XV decided to build the last pavilion to be erected during his reign, following the opening of a road in 1768 for the convenience and pleasure of hunting grounds south of Orsay. The architecture is sober and the mode natures are discreet. Initially at the center of a circular crossroads, Marcoussis combines the rectangular plan seen at the Croix de Noailles or Fausse-Repose and the majestic inscription at the center of a convergence point of roads, of which La Muette,(see post) although unfinished at this date, constitutes the finest example. Louis XV approved the entire project on June 15, 1773,
The layout of the rooms is that of a small, comfortable dwelling. On the ground floor, a cellar and a mezzanine were added for the king’s use. The main level rises above the three adjoining vaulted cellars, measuring approximately 15 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 8 meters high up to the entablature. Accessed by a staircase on the facade, a small vestibule paved with large black and white liais stone tiles leads to the right of the main room: an Italian-style living room opening through four rectangular bays, paved in the same way and featuring a beautiful marble fireplace. To the right of this fireplace, a half-window illuminates a wardrobe with the same flooring, with a marble basin in a niche. The vestibule also leads to a smaller wardrobe, which doubles as a woodshed or charcoal burner. To the left, a large kitchen with sandstone floors is equipped with a stove, a fireplace with a hood, and an oven. In the background, a door leads to the stone and wood staircase leading to the cellar and the mezzanine. The king’s mezzanine comprises two terracotta-tiled rooms: an antechamber and a bedroom with an alcove and a Liais stone fireplace. A tiled attic above is reserved for the servants accompanying the sovereign. The king actually spent the night in Marcoussis, as the location is a bit far from Versailles, and the carriage slept in the village the night before the hunts.
Inside, the walls of the living room and the adjoining wardrobe are paneled with large Dutch wood panels, while the bedroom alcove is made of oak in a distinctive design. The fittings were bronzed, the locks varnished black, and the gilded copper moldings, The paneling, doors, and woodwork were painted white lead. The only hints of color were in the marble-like baseboards in the living room and wardrobe, and in the gilded frame of the mirror. This dominant light color, accentuated under Louis XVI but often softened by the colors of the furniture, is found in most hunting lodges, whether they were simple rest stops or genuine pleasure residences, The first furniture deliveries appeared in May 1774 , The salon’s furniture included Indian wood gaming tables inlaid with whitewood stringing, and furniture upholstered in Persian canvas with small patterns. Only the king had an armchair. Upstairs, the king’s bedroom is adorned with blue and white striped foil furniture, stretched even into the alcove and over the curtains. Two armchairs and six carpeted chairs echo these motifs.
The king visited Marcoussis with Monseigneur le Dauphin, the Count of Artois, and Monsieur le Comte de Provence on April 16, 1774. His Majesty seemed pleased with this Pavilion and the terraces that had been created there. Less than a month after his visit, on April 16, 1774, Louis XV died at Versailles, Work on the pavilion, although well advanced, did not allow him to enjoy it. His grandson, Louis XVI, inherited a nearly completed pavilion, where only the furnishings remained to be completed. True to his grandfather’s memory, or out of a desire for simplicity, he made no changes. The French revolution did not spare Marcoussis. On April 4, 1794, the decision was made to sell the pavilion , Remaining in private hands, the Marcoussis pavilion has retained its original dimensions, despite some modifications. Since 2015, the new owners have been working on its restoration and preservation. An example of the continuity of uses, Marcoussis has become a chosen place of retreat, hidden under a hunting mask.
The city of Marcoussis on its history: https://marcoussis.fr/mon-village/presentation/histoire/
The Essonne dept 91 tourist office on Marcoussis: https://www.essonnetourisme.com/en/?s=marcoussis
There you go folks, another wonder in my belle France indeed. It was a long road warrior trip and glad we stop by even if briefly in Marcoussis, a nice hugely historical town worth the re visit, Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Pavillon du Roi of Marcoussis !!! as I.And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 