We acquired the Pavillon Royal de La Muette with the aim of not only saving this architectural gem that had fallen into disuse, but also bringing it back to life through private, professional and cultural events. The project was motivated by our belief in the value of cultural transmission and the beauty of our architectural heritage. In a state of near-abandonment when we bought it, the Pavilion needed considerable work, and we embarked on an extensive restoration project with the help of artisans and skilled workers specialising in historic monuments. This royal pavilion captivated us with its aesthetics, elegance and architecture. Its proximity to the Château de Versailles, its easy access to Paris and its history won us over.
The Pavillon de La Muette is a remarkable example of 18th-century neoclassical architecture, designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the King's first architect, who also designed the Place de la Concorde and the École Militaire. The sober, elegant façades, in yellow ashlar and typical of the Île-de-France region, feature bossed quoins. The octagonal Italian-style lounge, the centrepiece of the Pavilion, is lit by high windows that emphasise the vertical effect and brightness of the space. The other drawing room on the first floor has remarkable cabochon flooring. The dialogue between the interior and the surrounding forest was essential for the site’s use as a hunting lodge. It was designed to provide an unobstructed view of the star-shaped hunting alleys from the Pavilion. It is one of the largest royal hunting lodges from the Ancien Régime still standing.
The Pavillon de La Muette was built between 1762 and 1775 at the request of King Louis XV, a great hunting enthusiast. The site was particularly appreciated due to its strategic position in the heart of the forest and its system of radiating paths, making it easier to watch and track game. After Louis XV, Louis XVI also visited the pavilion, although he was less keen on hunting than his grandfather. The French Revolution put an end to this royal tradition. Under the Empire, the estate was still a hunting reserve. Napoleon I was very fond of the place, and frequently visited it in the company of his second wife, Marie-Louise. In the Second Empire, Napoleon III organised official hunts here. Listed as a historic monument in 1921, the pavilion then slowly fell into disuse and a state of disrepair, until we became the owners in 2019.
The Pavillon de La Muette offers a unique experience combining history, elegance and tranquillity in an exceptional setting, in the heart of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest, yet within easy reach of Paris. Staying at La Muette means enjoying an immersive heritage experience in a location steeped in history, a listed 18th-century monument restored in keeping with its original architecture. Here, our guests will be immersed in the world of the kings and emperors of France. The rooms combine period furniture with modern comforts. The surrounding forest paths offer plenty of opportunities for walks, hikes and bike rides.
In Saint-Germain en Laye, we particularly recommend: the "Pâtisserie de Longueuil", where everything is home-made and delicious; the "Pâtisserie Durand", the creator of the "Paris-Brest" cake; the "L'épicerie de Longueuil", a traditional family-run grocery store founded in 1880; and the "Comptoir des deux frères", a restaurant with gourmet cuisine and a lovely terrace in the summer. The terrace at Les Loges is well known, but you can venture out onto the woodland paths just below it, which lead to old enclosure walls and rare views over the Seine valley. The Château de Maisons-Laffitte, a masterpiece of 17th-century civil architecture. The Maurice Denis Museum, a quiet, little-visited museum housed in a former religious house, with a fine collection of Nabis and Symbolist paintings, including many masterpieces by Maurice Denis.
Set in the heart of the forest, the Pavillon is easily accessed and has parking, with no restrictions concerning neighbours, and it can be configured in a variety of ways. The “Débotté du Roi” salon (70m²) - where the king took off his boots on his return from the hunt - is a place you can welcome guests. The Octagonal Salon (75m²), which opens out onto the countryside, with its large windows and 7.80 metre high ceilings, is the perfect place to hold a dinner for up to 140 or a cocktail party for up to 200. The Salon des Officiers (35m²), with its wood-panelled walls, and the impressive Réchauffoir in the vaulted cellars offer a wealth of possibilities. A 14m2 kitchen is equipped with the latest technology. Outside, a 320 m² marquee with removable window sides offers an open view of the garden and forest, and can accommodate up to 350 guests for cocktails. There is a car park with 70 spaces, four of which are equipped for electric cars. There is accommodation for 20 people in 8 rooms including 1 dormitory on site. The venue has agreements with hotels in Maisons-Laffitte and Saint-Germain-en-Laye for its guests.
ref 775649
Possibilité de privatiser le pavillon afin d'y donner des conférences dans les différents salons
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