The château was used as a filming location for the 1979 film 'Tess' directed by Roman Polanski.
The estate features an 'English-style' park designed in the 19th century, which contrasts with the original formal French garden layout.
The property was acquired and restored by the Marquise de Maillé in the 20th century before being donated to the state.
The château is built using the 'brique et pierre' (brick and stone) technique, a style common in the Île-de-France region but refined here to match the 18th-century aesthetic.
The original owner, Abbot Terray, was a controversial figure in royal finance, often blamed for the economic difficulties preceding the French Revolution.
The interior contains a significant collection of 18th-century French furniture, specifically pieces signed by master cabinetmakers like Migeon.
The park is home to a 'Grand Canal' that was restored to its original state, serving as an axis for the landscape design.
Château de La Motte-Tilly is an 18th-century French country house constructed in 1754 by the Abbot Terray, Minister of Finance under Louis XV. The architecture exemplifies the Neo-Classical transition, characterized by its strict symmetry and sober brick-and-stone facade. It remains one of the few châteaux in the region to have retained its original 18th-century furnishings and interior decor. The estate encompasses 60 hectares of land, featuring a mix of formal French gardens and English-style woodland areas. It is managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux, which oversees its preservation as a historical monument. The interior rooms are arranged to reflect the domestic life of the Enlightenment period, featuring authentic period furniture, tapestries, and porcelain. A notable feature is the canal running through the grounds, which mirrors the geometry of the building's facade.
The edge of the Grand Canal looking back toward the main facade of the château.
Prioritize walking the entire length of the Grand Canal to see the building reflected in the water.
Check for special guided tours of the upper floors, which are sometimes restricted during high-traffic periods.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to traverse the extensive wooded areas of the park.
Do not attempt to walk through the entire 60-hectare estate if you are short on time, as the woodland paths are extensive.
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; closed during specific winter months.
Photography is generally permitted without flash inside the château; touching furniture or artifacts is strictly prohibited.
