"It's a real jewel": the new golden ball bridge restores brilliance to the Méréville estate

The rays of the sun that sparkle on the work attract the eye of the walker yet still far away. The closer you get along the meanders of the Juine, the more its splendor jumps to the eyes. This Saturday morning, the new golden ball bridge was inaugurated at the Domaine de Méréville, located in Mérévillois, a town in the south of Essonne, on the edge of Eure-et-Loir. A masterpiece designed by the French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, known in particular for his Parisian metro entrance Place Colette all in roundness. Announced, the actress Catherine Deneuve, godmother of the estate, was finally not present. But the discovery of the new book supplanted any disappointment.

Four large balls covered with gold leaf, 24 pearls and 24 rings also gilded, 3,000 mirror beads... "It's a real gem," marvels François Durovray, president (LR) of the departmental council. It is not just an ornamental bridge, it is a work of art that sublimates the crossing of a river, in this case the Juine. I am sure that it alone will be a destination in Essonne and will give a new influence to the park of Méréville. »

Read alsoDomaine de Méréville: Gold "23.5 carats" at your fingertips to create the pearls of the Othoniel bridge

The bridge has already captivated all guests at the inauguration this Saturday. "It's really splendid," say Serge and Vincent, two residents of South Essonne. It is a contemporary work, but which finds its place perfectly in this picturesque garden of the eighteenth century. When you take it, you can see the castle. It is a great success that restores shine to this long-dormant estate. »

Le Mérévillois, June 3, 2023. The castle, which can be seen from the bridge, is part of the "fabriques", compositions designed by man to magnify nature. LP/C.CH.

Classified as a historical monument, this estate is one of the last examples of a picturesque Anglo-Chinese garden of the eighteenth century. Acquired at the time by the Marquis de Laborde, a great financier and art lover, its 58-hectare park was laid out by the greatest landscape architects of the time: François-Joseph Bélanger, to whom we also owe the Bagatelle pavilion or the Paris Stock Exchange, and Hubert Robert, the "painter of ruins" and one of the inventors of the Louvre. These two artists punctuated the garden with "factories", such as the castle, caves, lakes or rocks, all artificial elements designed by the hand of man to magnify nature and encourage walkers to contemplate.

The name of Othoniel blown by Catherine Deneuve, the godmother of the place

"It's an honour for me to follow in the footsteps of such prestigious artists," says Jean-Michel Othoniel. This bridge with golden balls represents a rather unique project in the life of an artist, it is my last madness. It contributes to the re-enchantment of a long-dormant garden. It is a work of art and a work of art that we will all enjoy crossing, and that thousands of people have helped me to design, such as the Gohard workshops or the Junier metalwork based in Saône-et-Loire. »

Le Mérévillois, June 3, 2023. The artist Othoniel hopes that the public "will enjoy crossing" his bridge with golden balls. LP/C.CH.

If this internationally recognized artist accepted François Durovray's proposal to imagine a new bridge with golden balls inspired by the footbridge designed in 1784 by Bélanger, it is thanks to Catherine Deneuve. "In love with gardens, she is the godmother of the estate, recalls the president of the departmental council. During a stroll in the park five years ago with the actress, she whispered to me the name of her friend Jean-Michel Othoniel to restore the bridge with golden balls. I took my best pen and followed his advice. In his great generosity, he accepted, and he even made the sketches for free. »

It was then necessary to complete the budget: 1.2 million euros, 15% of which were covered thanks to sponsorship, from companies (including Suez or Crédit Agricole) and individuals. The Fondation Essonne patronage, which is sponsored by Stéphane Bern, has benefited from the support of the Fondation du patrimoine to raise funds, in addition to public subsidies.

The department, owner of the Méréville estate since 2000 (Editor's note: the departmental council was then chaired by the socialist Michel Berson, and the acquisition was voted under the impetus of Christian Schoettl, then elected opposition in a group of non-attached), will surely still need the generosity of donors.

Because this bridge with golden balls is only one of the many stages of the rebirth of this site, with an investment project valued at more than 8 million euros. With actions programmed in the medium and long term: hydro-ecological operations to restore the historic configuration of the mirror ponds or the waterfall for example, restoration of bridges and footbridges, securing the park and saving the castle. It is a priority to put it out of water, secure its surroundings and save its small stucco dining room.

"Since the department rehabilitated the estate, more than 50,000 visitors have (re)discovered the site," says Guy Desmurs, the mayor (without label) of Mérévillois. This June 3rd is a memorable date, with the inauguration of one of its most emblematic factories: the bridge with golden balls. I am sure that he will be an ambassador for our commune and for the whole of southern Essonne. »

In Mérévillois, rue Voltaire. Open in June, July and August on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m. Free admission. Guided tour: 7 euros, 3.50 euros for students, teachers and job seekers, free for children under 12. Information at 01.64.95.72.76