The Castle of Monte Cristo, the hidden and unusual home of Alexandre Dumas

Discover the Castle of Monte Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. In an English garden in the heart of the Yvelines, near Saint-Germain-en-Laye, you can see a castle with an exuberant style from the 19th century and its small Yew Castle. We take you to discover this hidden heritage, classified as a historical monument.

At the height of his fame, in 1844, after the success of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, which appeared successively in the press in the form of serials, Alexandre Dumas sought to settle down far from the incessant hustle and bustle of the city in a place where he could find enough peace and quiet to work and provide publishers with his manuscripts .

Dumas then resided in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Seduced by the landscapes along the Seine, he chose a hill on the slopes of Port-Marly to build his home. He hired an architect, and not the least, Hippolyte Durand, to make his dream come true. He declared to his architect: " You will draw an English park in the middle of which I want a Renaissance house. For my study, a gothic pavilion surrounded by water... There are springs, you will make waterfalls for me ".

Dumas gave his instructions and his estate was designed according to his wishes, no matter what the price. On July 25, 1847, the writer hung the housewarming party in the presence of a crowd of friends, admirers and onlookers .... Nearly 600 people flocked to admire this place, which Balzac described as"one of the most delicious follies ever made".

Unfortunately, Alexandre Dumas hardly had time to enjoy it because a few months later, he went bankrupt, losing his historic Parisian theater. He was then forced to sell the Monte Cristo estate to pay off his debts for a pittance in 1849.

The castle and its estate then passed from hand to hand and gradually fell into disrepair. The residence even comes close to extinction in the face of a real estate program. It owes its survival to Alain Decaux who founded the Société des Amis d'Alexandre Dumas, motivating the communes of Marly-le-Roi, Pecq-sur-Seine and Port-Marly to buy back the property by founding an inter-communal syndicate in the 1970s . Restored since then, the place is now open to visitors since 1994.

The castle of Monte Cristo is a charming residence with entirely sculpted facades. The history, nature and soul of the writer are omnipresent: floral motifs, angels, musical instruments and weapons are found alongside various strange animals.

Above each window on the first floor, Alexandre Dumas had a portrait of a dramatic writer from all eras placed. In the place of honor, above the entrance door, Alexandre Dumas himself seems to welcome his guests. On the pediment are displayed the arms of his ancestors as well as his personal motto "I love who loves me". Finally, the bell towers at the top of the two turrets of the castle are decorated with the intertwined initials of the writer. Inside, we find the living room and the dining room, central rooms bathed in light.

We then climb to the first floor where the bedroom, the library, the toilet and a very surprising Moorish lounge were located. A real folly according to Balzac which survived thanks to the patronage of King Hassan II of Morocco.

Opposite the main house stands a neo-Gothic castle surrounded by water, the Château d'If. It was here, in this building with its eclectic architecture, that Dumas wrote tirelessly, sometimes resting upstairs.

On its facade, guarded by a dog in its niche, are engraved the titles of the writer's books as well as the names of the heroes of his novels.

Saved from destruction in 1970, classified as a historical monument, the Monte Cristo estate is open to the public in order to reveal this architectural jewel and the fascinating world of its creator. The estate is now preserved to pursue the dream of Alexandre Dumas.

Throughout the year, the castle offers many activities. Guided tours await you on the second Sunday of each month from February to November. Also on the program, theatrical visits to immerse you in the atmosphere from April to October, the last Sunday of the month. Temporary exhibitions also enrich the visit of the second floor of the castle.

Opening days and times

The Castle of Monte Cristo is open every day except Monday, including public holidays, except if it falls on a Monday in high season and only on weekends in the afternoon in low season. Annual closures from mid-December to early January.

From March 1st to June 30th and from September 1st to November 1st included (high season)

Tuesday and Thursday: from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 6pm.
Free visits (without guide). Last admissions at 11:30 am and 5 pm.
The park and the castle are completely closed during lunch time.
Wednesday and Friday: from 2pm to 6pm.
Free visits (without guide). Last admission at 5pm.
Saturday and holidays (except Mondays) from 10am to 6pm.
Free visits (without guide). Last admission at 5 pm.
Sunday: From 10 am to 6 pm. Last admission at 5 pm.
Open on May 1st and May 8th from 10am to 6pm.

From November 2nd to February 28th included (Low season)

Open on Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
Ticketing closes 1 hour before the site closes.

- Guided tours on the 2nd Sunday of the month in February, March and November.
- Unguided visits (without a guide) on the other Sundays of this period.
- Surprise" tours (with an actor) on the last Sunday of February, March and November

When the visits are guided, no free visits are possible.

How to get there?

The Château de Monte Cristo is rather well hidden. It is located in Port-Marly. By public transportation, you will have to take the RER A or transilien from the station of Paris Saint-Lazare or La Defense and get off at Marly le Roi. Then, take the line 10 to the stop Les lampes and walk 5 minutes.

By car, you take the exit Saint-Germain-en Laye- N186, you follow the direction Saint Germain en Laye. At the 6th traffic light, on the left lane, direction Marly le roi. It is common access to the clinic of Europe by the way of the high of Ormes, you are not lost. An automatic gate giving access to the parking of the castle allows you to reach the castle and its domain.

How much does it cost?

The ticket for a free visit without events is 8€ for adults, 6€ for children and free for children under 8. Guided tours are 9€ for adults and 2€ for children 3/7 years old. From February to October, theatrical tours are available. Count 10€ per adult and 2€ per child of 3/7 years old and free under 8 years old. Private, this castle remains paying on the first Sunday of the month. No reservations are necessary, tickets are available on site.

Monte Cristo in period costume: a fun and unusual day at Alexandre Dumas's château
The Château de Monte-Cristo takes us back to the 19th century, to enjoy a festive day in period costume in the home of Alexandre Dumas. See you on Sunday, June 16, 2024 for an unusual stroll! [Read more]