Elena Collection spotted in a castle in France

The castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a remarkable historical monument. Its construction has gone through the ages and has welcomed many sovereigns. Napoleon III decided to turn it into a museum, which we know today as the National Archaeological Museum. This presents a rich collection from the five continents.

The construction of the castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye dates from 1122 by Louis VI le Gros. It was enlarged by Louis IX and then burned down by the English in 1346. Charles V ensured the reconstruction of the burnt building.

The castle will then be inhabited by François Ier who will have the old building demolished and then rebuilt in 1539 based on the foundations established under Charles V. Henri II will continue the work after his death and will have the “Château Neuf” built which will be completed by Henry IV. In 1660, Louis XIV left the “Château Neuf” for the “Château Vieux” which had been left to the royal descendants and their servants. Louis XIV will definitively leave the castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye for Versailles on April 20, 1682.

The castle then became the residence of the king’s cousin, Jacques II Stuart, exiled King of England and his family. The Jacobites lived there until 1713. It became a prison during the Revolution, a hospital for the treatment of contagious diseases, a cavalry school under Napoleon I, a barracks and a military penitentiary under Louis-Philippe.

In 1862, Napoleon III chose the castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye to create the “museum of Celtic and Gallo-Roman antiquities”. The restoration of the monument was then entrusted to Eugène Millet.

Source: official site of Saint Germain en Laye Castle.

Photography  @lilyinparisphotography featured by @marianacattoir for @parisfashionpress

Models @keightleyinparis and @matilda_stories

wearing @elenacollectionla adjustable corset tops 

Location: Chateau de St. Germain-En-Laye