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Discover the History of the Château de Ferrières, Written Since 1862
Aug 21, 2025
There are places where grandeur can be read as much in the stone as in the stories it preserves. The Château de Ferrières, a neo-Renaissance masterpiece rising in the heart of the Brie region, belongs to that rare lineage: a residence designed to dazzle, and since 2015, the home of Ferrières Hospitality & Luxury Management School, which carries forward its legacy through excellence in hospitality and the art of living.
It all began with Baron James de Rothschild. Captivated by the boldness of architect Joseph Paxton — already famed for the Crystal Palace — he entrusted him, in 1855, with the design of an “Italian-style” château: vast, symmetrical, adorned with square towers and a spectacular grand staircase. Four years later, the work was complete; on 16 December 1862, Napoleon III inaugurated the château, and Ferrières entered legend. Visitors marvelled at a vast hall bathed in light, a library of several thousand volumes, suites equipped with both hot and cold running water… and even a separate kitchen connected by an underground rail system, allowing steaming dishes to glide directly into the salons. Modernity at the service of splendour.
Surrounding it, 135 hectares of English-style landscaped park stretched out in sweeping vistas. Ferrières was not merely a residence: it was a theatre of extraordinary receptions. Kings and artists were among its guests, while the finest sculptors and decorators of the time were commissioned to embellish its interiors. “No king could ever afford it,” Emperor Wilhelm I is said to have whispered, astonished by its opulence.
Yet history sometimes arrives unannounced. In September 1870, during the Siege of Paris, Otto von Bismarck received his French counterpart Jules Favre at the château: the “Meeting of Ferrières” sealed a painful page of the Franco-Prussian War. Later, during the Second World War, the château was occupied and its precious collections dispersed. The walls, however, forgot nothing.
After Liberation, Ferrières fell silent for a time. Then, in 1959, Guy and Marie-Hélène de Rothschild breathed life back into the estate. Once again, the salons echoed with conversation; themed balls drew creators and celebrities — Yves Saint Laurent, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly. The brilliance of the past now conversed with the modernity of the 1960s and 70s, until in 1975, the château was gifted to the Chancellery of the Universities of Paris for cultural and scientific purposes.
© Julien Fraisse
At the dawn of the 21st century, the destiny of the estate was rewritten. In 2012, Ferrières returned to the hands of the local commune; the course was set: to transform this monument into a vibrant, open space, embodying the very essence of French excellence. In this spirit, in 2013, the creation of a prestigious school dedicated to hospitality, gastronomy and luxury was entrusted. In October 2015, Ferrières School opened its doors at the very heart of the château: the grand galleries became classrooms, the teaching kitchens perpetuated the spirit of inventiveness, and the application restaurant Le Chai welcomed its very first guests. The history of the place was now lived as an experience — of sharing, passion, and professional expertise.
Ferrières has therefore not changed its soul: it has changed its mission. From the visionary residence of a philanthropist banker to an educational home dedicated to the professions of hospitality, it has preserved the promise of its origin: to welcome, to inspire, to pass on. And with every diploma awarded beneath its coffered ceilings, the sentence begun by James de Rothschild and Joseph Paxton continues: here, history is written in the present.
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Testimonials
All around the world, our Alumni share what Ferrières has brought to their journey: strong skills, an audacious vision, and above all, an unforgettable human adventure. Their testimonials embody what it means to learn, to dare, and to grow in a school like no other.
What makes Ferrières different is its proximity and support. Whether it's a teacher or a principal, everyone is there when you need them. You're never alone when facing difficulties: you're supported and guided toward solutions.
M.,
Diplomeo Review
Arriving just as the school was celebrating its second anniversary, I spent the entire Bachelor's program with them. Three wonderful years punctuated by encounters, experiences, and professional development. Not everything is perfect, but the teams work every day to get closer to it.
M.,
Diplomeo Review
The Ferrières School was a real favorite. The teachers share their passion and experience, which adds real value to the course. Thanks to the PAP, professional integration is facilitated, with real support throughout the program.
L.,
Diplomeo Review
Great experience within the School, I appreciate the Masterclasses that we can benefit from thanks to the intervention of professionals in gastronomy and hospitality.
C.,
Diplomeo Review
I chose to enter Ferrières in September 2018 for my first year of my Bachelor's degree. The supervision is effective and the ecosystem allows us to become professionals in the various restaurants and accommodation services, which is very enriching for our future in this vast sector.
S.,
Diplomeo Review
Ferrières is a real adventure, marked by three years of encounters, laughter, and learning. I thought I'd have to change, but the school simply pushes us to grow. My advice: be yourself, have fun, and give your best—here, personal excellence is the norm.
L.,
Diplomeo Review
What can I say about Ferrières? After three years at this splendid school, I realize how far I've come. I found much more than friends there: a true family. The teaching allowed me to improve, but also to mature. Ferrières, I will miss you.
M.,
Diplomeo Review
A truly enriching experience, marked by wonderful encounters, both personal and professional. Wonderful events were also organized at the château, making the journey even more memorable.
C.,
Diplomeo Review
The Ferrières School is a real opportunity thanks to its unique positioning in the luxury sector. In addition to quality teaching, it offers access to prestigious events in Paris and at the château, while allowing students to concretely plan their future careers.
L.,
Diplomeo Review
I don't regret choosing Ferrières: I thrive here and learn alongside passionate professionals. The school offers real opportunities, like the Career Summit and masterclasses. The administration is attentive, and student life, driven by the Student Union, is very dynamic.
L.,
Diplomeo Review
As a student at Ferrières, I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to further their education in hospitality, gastronomy, and luxury. The courses are enriching, the immersion in the ecosystem is invaluable, and I'm proud to be a part of it.
A.,
Diplomeo Review
The Ferrières School has allowed me to gain skills, maturity, and rigor. Thanks to the quality of the courses and the instructors, I feel ready for the professional world. Studying at such a prestigious institution is a real opportunity.
M.,
Diplomeo Review
As a Master's student, I recommend this school to those who want to fully invest themselves and learn alongside professionals to grow, both personally and professionally.
M.,
Diplomeo Review
I don't regret my choice: the courses live up to the school's prestige, and I'm proud to be part of the Ferrières adventure. Discovering the restaurant and gastronomy professions is both ambitious and exciting.
A.,
Diplomeo Review
After two years in Ferrières, I am completely satisfied with my choice. The training is comprehensive, the setting is ideal, and the internships at the Meliá Paris La Défense and the St. Regis Bora Bora were very enriching.
A.,
Diplomeo Review
An ambitious experience that I don't regret. A gateway to a promising career! A school unlike any other in the world.
M.,
Diplomeo Review
The Ferrières School is ideal for developing skills in luxury hospitality and gastronomy. I highly recommend it!
L.,
Diplomeo Review
I'm enjoying my experience at Ferrières, which is supported by an ideal setting and passionate teachers. The school, young and growing, offers a solid network for joining major institutions in France and abroad.
E.,
Diplomeo Review
Having been a student at Ferrières for three years, I can say that it's a school of life that has taught me a lot, both professionally and personally. The professors are all experienced professionals. I don't regret my choice.
C.,
Diplomeo Review