Heads up to those dreaming of an autumn walk in a Bridgerton-like setting. The Vallée-aux-Loups estate, particularly the Maison de Chateaubriand and its superb park, is a true invitation to romance and wandering. Even better: this idyllic destination is just 30 minutes from Paris. And if you need another reason to be convinced, the Maison is currently hosting an exhibition of over 300 works on the theme of Atala, Chateaubriand’s novel about an impossible love...
A magical place
The estate truly belongs to a traveling writer. Chateaubriand himself planted a significant collection of species chosen in memory of the countries he visited. The writer saw his trees as his children, caring for them with his own hands, addressing them in odes… And that magic can still be felt!
The estate and the oh-so-chic residence hosted the author from 1807 to 1818, and today it remains a place dedicated to literary heritage from the 19th century to the present day. The ivy-covered mansion (personal favorite!) with its marble statues is labeled Maison des illustres, like those of Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, or Balzac. The sublime building and its park are nestled in the heart of a 60-hectare estate of preserved nature, just 8 kilometers from Paris! An enchanting walk not to be missed.
An impossible love
More than just an enchanting destination, the Maison de Chateaubriand is also an exhibition venue. Starting with the one that has just opened and will run for almost a year around Atala, the first novel by François-René de Chateaubriand published in 1801… when he was only 23! Atala tells the story of the star-crossed love between two young Native Americans from rival tribes, a sort of Romeo and Juliet in a 17th-century setting. It was a colossal success, translated into most European languages and even sparked a trade in counterfeit copies of the novel. The tragic tale told by Chateaubriand also inspired many artists: painting, engraving, and even fanfiction! The result: a unique collection in the world of works and books centered on Atala, with over 330 pieces preserved at Vallée-aux-Loups. A hundred of them, along with a few prestigious loans, are gathered here for the first time! In short: a fascinating visit to an ultimately romantic estate—what else?
Also, check out our selection of 5 great novels to devour this autumn and our program for a Sunday without the blues.
Exposition Atala, 1801. Illustrated journey into the heart of a novel. From October 4, 2024, to September 28, 2025. More information online.
© La Maison de Châteaubriand - CD 92 par Olivier Ravoire.
