The castle of Venteuil has been constructed toward 1760, according to the plans of architect Saget of the Louvièreses, that have acted extensively in our region. Situated on a promontory dominating the valley of the Marne, it acted as station of observation to Napoléon in February 1814, at the end of the Battle of Montmirail. But the castle of Venteuil is especially associated to the family of Jussieu. Indeed, in 1817, the famous botanist Antoine-Laurent de Jussieu bought the property, in which he retired in 1830 to finish his days there. His son Adrien-Henri Laurent took the succession of his works. Let's note more that it is a small girl of Antoine-Laurent, Valentine who married the famous scientist Hippolyte Fizeau, first scientist to measure the speed of light.

Venteuil,le Banc de Napoléon

photo: M. Cheval.

The Bench of Napoleon

In Mars 1814, Napoleon 1st master key two days with Jouarre, during its last countryside of France. Top of Venteuil, with the Castle (old residence of the family of botanists of Jussieu), it there installs the headquarters, and supervises the projection of its enemies, while waiting for the bridge reconstruction of Ferté-Under-Jouarre. Come to follow the traces of the Emperor, by putting back you on the bench where it east sat down on March 2, 1814 .

The Walk

While taking the alley of Venteuil, then the way of justice, you will arrive at the bench of Napoleon from where you will be able to admire the valleys of Small Morin and of Marne.Puis you will be able to continue, while turning left, to the road of Jouarre with Seven-Fates, for finally returning in Jouarre .