The Architecture of the Loing
The Château de Nemours occupies a position on the banks of the Loing river in the Seine-et-Marne département of France. Its origins trace back to approximately 1120, when the first stones were laid by Orson on the left bank. The site has undergone significant transformations over several centuries, reflecting the shifting political landscape of the region. In the 15th century, Jacques d'Armagnac modified the structure, adding mullioned windows to the keep to adapt the medieval fortification into a more habitable residence. The castle was designated a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture in 1977.
The history of the site is marked by conflict and diplomacy. The town was burned by the troops of Jean de Grailly and the Captal of Bush in 1359. Later, in 1585, the castle became the site of the Treaty of Nemours, signed between Catherine de' Medici and the Duke of Guise. This agreement had significant implications for the religious landscape of the kingdom. Today, the castle functions as a museum, having been transformed for this purpose between 1903 and 1999.
The Collections and Artworks
The museum houses various collections, with a particular emphasis on pottery. Beyond these ceramic works, the institution maintains several paintings that reflect the artistic movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries. These works are held within the castle's walls, providing a quiet context for their study.
- Briseïs pleurant sur le corps de Patrocle, 1878 - Jean Benner
- Jeune fille couchée sur un lit de bruyères, 1900 - Emmanuel Benner
- Banks of the Seine between Effondré and Montmeillant, 1875 - Charles Edme Saint Marcel
Institutional Life and Access
The museum's programming includes specific events such as the Journées du Patrimoine, where the cellars of the château are opened for unprecedented visits. The gardens remain accessible to the public, offering a space outside the formal exhibition rooms. Recent exhibitions, such as "Un Château en Suède," have required temporary closures of certain areas to allow for new installations. The castle remains a central feature of Nemours, situated in the extreme south of the Paris conurbation.
