The Campus Serge Kampf Les Fontaines, located in Gouvieux-Chantilly near Paris, is a premier corporate seminar and training center owned by Capgemini. Originally a 19th-century Rothschild estate, it was transformed into a “Campus” for learning, innovation, and reflection, blending historic architecture with modern, sustainable meeting facilities.
Detailed History Timeline
18th Century: Romantic Origins
- Late 18th Century: Jacques Berthault acquired a 28-hectare plot, developing a romantic-style garden around a lake, featuring small “follies” (decorative buildings).
19th Century: The Rothschild Era
- 1878: Baron Nathan James Edouard de Rothschild purchased the estate, increasing it to 52 hectares.
- 1879–1882: Construction of the Château des Fontaines took place, designed by architect Félix Langlais in an eclectic mix of styles (medieval, 17th-century, Louis XIV). It served as a summer residence and venue for lavish receptions.
20th Century: War and the Jesuits
- 1931: Baroness Thérèse von Rothschild died, after which the property was passed to her son, Henri.
- World War II (1939–1945): Occupied by the German army; utilized by the Luftwaffe as an observation base with a hidden bunker.
- 1946: The Jesuits acquired the estate to create a cultural and spiritual center, including a vast private library.
- 1970: The facility was formally established as the Centre Culturel des Fontaines.
Late 20th Century: Acquisition by Capgemini
- 1997: Facing high maintenance costs, the Jesuits decided to sell the property.
- 1998: Capgemini bought the estate to create a dedicated international training and seminar campus.
- 1999–2002: Major redevelopment took place under architects Valode & Pistre to create the campus facilities.
21st Century: The Campus Serge Kampf Les Fontaines
- January 2003: Campus Les Fontaines opened its doors.
- 2003–Present: The campus hosts around 275 events annually, serving as a hub for Capgemini University, international meetings, and corporate training.
- November 2017: Renamed to “Campus Serge Kampf Les Fontaines” to honor the recently deceased founder of Capgemini.
- 2020: The lounges of the Château were fully refurbished.
Key Features and Role
- Architecture: Combines the historic 19th-century Rothschild château with the “Forum,” a modern, circular 300-room campus building.
- Sustainability: Focused on environmental responsibility with a strong commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of events for over 20 years.
- Capacity: 50 meeting rooms, including a 500-seat auditorium.
About Serge Kampf
Serge Kampf (1934–2016) was a French entrepreneur who founded Sogeti in 1967, which became Capgemini. He was known for his dedication to client relationships and nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
Campus Serge Kampf Les Fontaines, in Gouvieux-Chantilly near Paris
November 2017 – Advanced Engagement Management Course – Level 2 Exam
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