Château en Colimaçon
THE ABANDONED CASTLE IN FRANCE
Explore the enchanting tale of the abandoned castle nicknamed ‘Château en Colimaçon’, also known as Les Ecrennes, nestled in Seine-et-Marne, France, just north of Paris. This captivating structure, often referred to as the Spiral Castle, whispers echoes of its rich history, dating back to the late 19th century.
Originally, a visionary erected the first house on the grounds in 1880. This was followed by the construction of a second adjacent mansion in 1897. The estate changed hands in 1913, leading to further expansions by the new owner in 1919. Over time, these two buildings were gracefully merged, forming the majestic castle that stands today.
Numerous owners
Throughout its existence, the castle has been graced by the presence of numerous owners. Each leaving their mark on its illustrious walls. However, the final chapter in its story takes a melancholic turn. The last owner, an Iranian engineer splitting his time between the United States and France, chose to let the once-stately abode languish in neglect. Despite pleas from admirers, he adamantly refused to part with his cherished possession. Instead, he let time cast its shadow upon its grandeur.
Bitter dispute
In 1999, a bitter dispute with a former owner, now his neighbor, compelled the engineer to relinquish his hold on the castle. Since then, the once-majestic edifice has fallen into a state of disrepair. Even as the years pass, it remains a silent witness to the passage of time with its crumbling facades.
In 2015, I had the privilege of wandering through the corridors of ‘Château en Colimaçon’, beholding its faded splendor and imagining the grandeur it once exuded. Today, the castle stands as a testament to the transient nature of human endeavors. A haunting reminder of the inevitable march of time.
