Chateau de la Motte Tilly

The Château de La Motte-Tilly is a stunning illustration of 18th-century French refinement, located in the heart of the Aube department. Built in 1754 for Abbé Terray, King Louis XV's finance minister, this elegant residence stands as a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Its symmetrical facade of brick and stone overlooks a sprawling 60-hectare estate, designed for the ultimate "countryside retreat" of the French nobility. The castle's timeless beauty even caught the eye of Hollywood, serving as a key filming location for Milos Forman's Dangerous Liaisons. Inside, the castle houses an extraordinary collection of period furniture and fine arts, preserved exactly as they were by the Marquise de Maillé. Each room, from the grand salon to the intimate libraries, reflects the sophisticated lifestyle of the Enlightenment. The outdoor experience is equally captivating, featuring formal French gardens, an English-style park, and a magnificent "water mirror" reflecting the sky and the castle’s architecture. It is a peaceful and aristocratic escape, just a short drive from Paris.