La folie de Bagatelle
Castle and gardens are a listed monument.
The château de Bagatelle is a "folly" built in the middle of the XVIIIth century, by Abraham Van Robais. It was essentially a small elegant pavilion surrounded by trees in the middle of the countryside. A few years later a first floor was built, then an attic, topped with a mansard roof. The Van Robais entertained their guests and clients there when they were at the height of their prosperity as manufacturers and great shipping merchants. Voltaire wrote that "M. Van Robais lives there like a prince".

Sold to the revolution, the château de Bagatelle remained unaltered for some time. It was only during the XIXth century that a music room and another symmetrical wing for living accommodation were added.

Surrounded by a French-style garden, the ensemble of the brick and stone building is especially harmonious. The interior has kept its XVIIIth century furniture. The double-flight staircase leads to the summer living room, the heart of the "folly". Each window corresponds to a clearing in the garden and park. The very fine painted panelling, done for the Van Robais, has been preserved: it depicts the ostrich eggs given to Mme Van Robais by the Queen! You can also visit the dining room which still has a lot of the Van Robais' furniture, the winter living room with its blue repainted panelling, the library and the music room.

The English-style park, laid out in the XIXth century, has some very old trees. Recently restored, like the French-style garden, by the new owners, it's well worth a visit.

Pratical info

Opening times
Guided tour of the castle interiors from 14/07 to 31/08, 2 pm to 6 pm, every day except Tuesday (other times : by prior appointment).

Prices
Adults: 8 €
Children (under 12): 4 €
Unaccompanied tour of the exteriors and gardens :
Adults: 4 €
Children (under 12): 2.50 €

Les jardins de Bagatelle
133, route de Paris 80 100 ABBEVILLE
Tel / Fax : +33 (0)3 22 24 02 69 or Tel : +33 (0)6 08 05 96 83
E-mail : info@chateaudebagatelle.com
Website : www.chateaudebagatelle.com