The name La Motte-Tilly is first mentioned in 1369, attesting to the existence of a feudal mound and the presence of lime trees.

A first château, surrounded by a moat, stood at the edge of the Seine. It was demolished around 1740, by which time the estate had been equipped with mills and grain stores. In 1748, the lordship of La Motte-Tilly was purchased by the Terray brothers: Abbé Joseph Marie Terray (1715–1778), future Finance Minister to Louis XV, and his brother Pierre Terray de Rozières, a royal councillor.

The current château, overlooking the Seine, was built in 1754 to plans by François Nicolas Lancret, who designed a country residence closely integrated with a formal French-style park featuring groves, sweeping vistas, and a ornamental pool. The architect spared no effort in equipping the château with every modern comfort. In 1780 the estate passed to Antoine Jean Terray, who modernised the interior, created the grand staircase and the large dining room. To satisfy the romantic tastes of the era, a landscaped park with exotic species replaced the original formal gardens. During the Revolution, the château was declared national property and an inventory of 1,605 lots was drawn up.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Count Gérard de Rohan-Chabot, drawing on Lancret’s original plans, set about restoring the château and park to their 18th-century appearance. The formal French-style park was redesigned. The Marquise de Maillé continued her father’s restoration work, advised by architect Claude Hodanger and decorator Victor Grandpierre. The château was refurnished with works of art and fine furniture by 18th-century Parisian cabinet-makers. Raymond Subes designed the majestic entrance gates.

In 1969, the Marquise de Maillé decided to bequeath the château and the La Motte-Tilly estate (1,080 hectares) to the Caisse nationale des monuments historiques et des sites, now known as the Centre des monuments nationaux. Her will took effect on 19 November 1972 upon her death.

In 2005, the Centre des monuments nationaux created a “Tilletum” in the park — a remarkable botanical collection of 73 different lime tree varieties from around the world. In recognition of its exemplary nature, the Tilletum de la Motte-Tilly was awarded the “approved collection” designation in 2010 by the Conservatoire des collections végétales spécialisées.

Since March 2011, the park at La Motte-Tilly has held the “Remarkable Garden” designation, awarded by the French Ministry of Culture. This label highlights to the general public those gardens — whether private or public, listed or unlisted — whose design, planting, and upkeep are of an outstanding standard.

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Ma pierre à l’Édifice

By visiting Ma pierre à l’édifice (monuments-nationaux.fr), heritage enthusiasts can make a donation to the Château de la Motte-Tilly (“My favourite monument”) and help to bring it to life, maintain it, and preserve it for the future.

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Practical Information

Château de la Motte-Tilly D951 – Route de Bray Telephone: 03 25 39 99 67 Website: www.chateau-la-motte-tilly.fr Email: [email protected]

Visiting

The château is open for guided tours only. Online booking is recommended. Visitors are advised to check the château’s website before their visit for the latest visiting information.

Opening Hours

The Château (guided tours only)

• 15 April to 14 October: Tuesday to Sunday at 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00
• 15 October to 14 April: Wednesday to Sunday at 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00

The Park (free admission all year round)

• 15 April to 14 October: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–19:00
• 15 October to 14 April: Wednesday to Sunday, 09:00–18:00

Please note: The château is closed on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.

Admission Prices

Individual: €9 Groups: €7.50 (20 or more people) Combined ticket – Château de la Motte-Tilly / Musée Camille Claudel: €12 (valid for 6 months)

Free admission for:

• Under 18s (when visiting as a family, excluding school groups)
• 18–25 year olds (EU nationals)
• First Sunday of the month, January to March and November to December
• Disabled visitors and one accompanying carer
• Job seekers (on presentation of documentation less than 6 months old), RMI and RSA recipients
• Journalists
• Others (see the full list of free and reduced admissions on our website)

For a 2-for-1″ ticket for “Camille Claudel museum + Château de la Motte-Tilly”  Click Here

Visit Options

• Standard guided tour of the monument (1 hour)
• Themed guided tours (1.5 hours)
• Lecture tours (1.5 hours) on request
• Educational workshops for families, school groups, and social care groups

How to Get Here

Château de la Motte-Tilly D951 – Route de Bray 10400 – LA MOTTE-TILLY

 

 VISIT WEBSITE

 03 25 39 99 67

 D951, 10400 La Motte-Tilly, France