our story

Discover Our History

Nestled in the Avre Valley, Saint Lubin des Joncherets’ rich history dates back to the Paleolithic era. The commune received its name from the hermit monk, Saint Lubin, and has endured turmoil and renewal over the centuries.

From Scandinavian Viking invasions to conflicts between the French and English, Saint Lubin des Joncherets faced regional wars and devastating fires before regaining prosperity with the château's construction in 1620.

Late 18th century, Dutch industrialist Henry Sykes built spinning mills and foundries in the region, transforming it into a key industrial center and attracting diverse entrepreneurs. Although the World Wars halted production, Saint Lubin des Joncherets is now on the rise thanks to its proximity to Paris and its preserved medieval village.

Appreciation of the Past

Since the Paleolithic era, the Avre Valley region has been inhabited by human settlers for its water resources, with stone burial dolmens tracing back to 3000 BC near the city of Dreux. Within this historic valley lies the commune of Saint Lubin des Joncherets, home to Château des Joncherets.

The commune derived its name from the hermit monk Saint Lubin, whose presence and influence in the 6th century elected him Bishop of Chartres. During the 8th century, the region encountered Viking invasions and the creation of the Duchy of Normandy after the 911 Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte. Avre Valley became the border between Normandy and the Kingdom of France, setting the stage for centuries of conflict between the French and English.  

Due to constant warfare, Nonancourt and Saint Lubin were destroyed and abandoned in 1418, forcing residents to flee to distant villages. The region remained in ruins for years before slowly rebuilding and reclaiming its former prosperity through the blockage of armed forces to Nonancourt. 

The construction of the chàteau in 1620 marked a pivotal point of revival. Around the same time, the full name of “Saint Lubin des Joncherets” was adopted. From 1658 to 1697, President Francois Vedeau de Grammont, lord of Saint Lubin, oversaw restoration efforts, including repairing the church and bell tower. The chàteau was later sold during the French Revolution. 

In the late 18th century, Dutch industrialist Henry Sykes established his family business in the Avre Valley, building cotton spinning mills and iron foundries. His success transformed the region into the leading industrial hub, attracting other entrepreneurs to grow.

Timeline of Our Story

  • 6th Century

    The medieval village of Saint Lubin des Joncherets, home to the chateau, is named after hermit monk — Saint Lubin

  • 8th Century

    Viking invasions spark unrest and instability in the region

  • History of Chateau des Joncherets luxury wedding chateau venue, events, retreats in France.

    911

    A peace treaty is sealed with a marriage between King Charles’ daughter and Rollo, the Scandinavian leader, marking the birth of the Duke of Normandy

  • 1418

    Warfare erupts between the Saint Lubin French and the Normandy English, resulting to a fire that devastates the village

  • Luxury château accommodation just outside Paris, France, ideal for global travelers booking premium vacation stays in the French countryside. Book historic Chateau des Joncherets

    1620

    King Louis XIII constructs Château des Joncherets, carried out by his royal squire, Louis de Pontbréant, and architect, André Le Nôtre

  • 1658-1697

    President de Grammont, lord of Saint Lubin des Joncherets, constructs the current bell tower and begins restoring the on-site church, but the project halted as costs became too high

  • 1792

    Henry Sykes, entrepreneur from the Netherlands, ignits a wave of economic growth in the region through his successful business in cotton spinning mills and iron foundries

  • 1914-1945

    The population and prosperity of Saint Lubin des Joncherets plummets dramatically during the two world wars, the château is overtaken by Nazi forces in WWII, casting a shadow over the region

  • Present Day

    Kate and Paul Mery de Bellegarde purchase Château des Joncherets in honor of continuing its tradition of culture, community, & hospitality

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Grounds & Activities

Château des Joncherets Studio

  • Bienvenue à Paris!

    On the day of your arrival, your Private Chauffeur, will be waiting for you at arrivals! He will be holding a sign with your name and a bag of fresh, flaky croissants, and ready to assist with luggage, before whisking you off through the magnificent streets of Paris!

    Half Day Chauffeured Tour:

    The Perfect Orientation to Beautiful Paris!

    On the day of your tour, both your Guide and your Private Chauffeur will come to meet you at your accommodation to kick start your tour right on your doorstep! You will spend the day learning about the grand monuments that make Paris such a desirable tourist destination! There will be plenty of stops to stretch your legs and for photos along the way! This tour will end in Montmartre, where you can have some leisurely time to explore the quaint artist village a top the hill!

    Prices & Booking

  • The domaine is nestled on the Avre river, which provides fresh water to the park’s moats, canals, and reflection pool. Guests can hop in and out of their canoe right from the château moat! Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

    Fishing | Go-Karting | Kayaking + Canoeing

  • Château Des Joncherets is a 50 minute-drive from a 280-mile bike trail that takes adventure seekers from Paris all the way to Mont-Saint Michel. This magical, UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its quicksand, monastery, and crêperies.

    Veloscenic Bike Route

  • Take in the surrounding countryside with a 6-mile hiking path around the Avre valley and river, starting just a few meters from the castle. The trek takes you through medieval towns, historical architecture, rivers, and quaint bridges and cafés.

  • A 14-minute walk will bring you to the Tennis & Squash Club with multiple courts and lighting, where visitors can participate in drop-in games. There are also showers and changing rooms.

  • Evreux features a beautiful church, a historic center, and high-end dining options.

    Walk along the tree-lined canals and stop at a restaurant to taste the local specialty - roasted camembert!

    • 30-minute drive.

  • Versailles is one of the most visited cities in the world thanks to its miles of preserved forest, royal château, and history.

    • 60-minute drive or 45-minute train.

  • This breathtaking historical site boasts a castle, church, and medieval tower. Numerous restaurants and shops create a vibrant atmosphere while the cobblestones and half-timbered homes reminisce of times of yore.

    • 20-minute drive

Design Your Moment

Create unforgettable memories at our historic château. With elegant rooms, stunning gardens, and modern amenities, your special event will be timeless and extraordinary.

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