A BIT OF HISTORY
At the close of the 19th century, as Paris prepared to unveil the Eiffel Tower, another gem was emerging in the Île-de-France: the Château de Saint-Martin du Tertre.
Between 1876 and 1882, under the direction of architect Gabriel-Hippolyte Destailleur, the estate was entirely revamped to host the grandest celebrations of the Belle Époque. Commissioned by the Duke of Massa, grandson of Napoleon I’s Minister of Justice, the château became a dazzling stage for Parisian high society.
Our very own “French Gatsby,” the Duke was a passionate collector, literary figure, and devoted patron of the arts who welcomed the crème de la crème of Paris to discover magical events.
The festivities included lavish dinners, glittering balls, operas performed at the château’s private theater, classical concerts played by full orchestras, and fireworks that lit up the night sky.
The gardens were ornamented with rare orchids, elegant fountains, Japanese lanterns, and exotic plants. This atmosphere enchanted princesses, dukes, and artists from across Europe.
Today, that spirit of refined celebration lives on in every wedding held here. Join the enduring legacy of the Château de Saint-Martin du Tertre... with your own love story.
“... The sparkling society of tout-Paris called for the creation of a grand ballroom. The Duke of Massa, a patron of the arts and letters, loved to engage Édouard Mangin – conductor at the Paris Opera and professor at the Conservato- ry – to lead a choir of up to a hundred singers! His prized orchid collection adorned the walls, while the gardens beckoned with the sparkle of colored glass, Bengal lights, and Japanese lanterns. Applause filled the air from guests as distinguished as the Princess de La Tour d’Auvergne, the Duke of Trévise, the Prince of Polignac, the Prince de Broglie, the Count de Ségur, and the Viscount de Noailles.”
Le Figaro, 1889
