A place of art, heritage and culture, they bringFrench history to life through the centuries, bearing witness to the passing years... Châteaux, estates and their gardens are magnificent places to visit all year round. But if you had to choose a specific day to discover the region's castles, then do it on July 19: it's International Castle Day!
During this sunny summer month, it's time to visit the most beautiful monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region with family and friends. In the luxurious corridors, royal apartments and ballrooms, you'll rediscover pieces of history, moments from the past, architects' and artists' secrets... Admire the works of the greatest craftsmen, learn more about our heritage and enjoy a wonderful stroll!
It's decided: this Friday, July 19, 2024, we're off to visit the region's châteaux. From the most famous to the most confidential, near you or in more distant lands, here's a selection of châteaux ready to welcome us for this international day.
Château de Bourron, stay in a truly historic château in the Ile-de-France region
We're off to Seine-et-Marne to discover a hidden treasure: Château de Bourron, a historic 17th-century residence near Fontainebleau, a haven of peace well worth the detour. Stay in this listed monument, lulled by the authenticity and beauty of its 40-hectare park. [Read more]
Domaine du Château de Dampierre en Yvelines open and free to under-18s
Domaine du Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines is now open all year round. There will be no more winter closures. A host of new features await you, including some great events, the opening of guided tours of the château and free admission for under-18s. [Read more]
Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France
Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history. [Read more]
Parc du Château de Plaisir, a green bubble in the heart of Yvelines
On the outskirts of old Plaisir, nestles the Parc du Château de Plaisir and its verdant setting, a veritable corner of nature for strolling, picnicking or playing sport. Classified as a historic monument in 1961, this site has many assets. [Read more]
The Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise, the Impressionist treasure and its program
Discover the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise and its sublime English gardens. Throughout the year, exhibitions and events focusing on Impressionism await you. [Read more]
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [Read more]
(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France
Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery. [Read more]
The Château de Champs-sur-Marne, a magnificent Renaissance-style building with an 85-hectare garden
In the Seine-et-Marne département, the Château de Champs-sur-Marne is less well known than Vaux-le-Vicomte or Fontainebleau. A testament to its rich history, Champs-sur-Marne is best known for its vast 85-hectare wooded park, which is open all year round! [Read more]
The Château de Dourdan, an ancient fortified castle to discover in Essonne (91)
In the Essonne department, near Dourdan, you'll find a 13th-century fortified castle. Although you can't visit the interior, you can visit the ramparts on a walking tour! [Read more]
Blandy-les-Tours castle, a timeless medieval monument in Seine-et-Marne
The little-known Château de Blandy-les-Tours has a rich heritage that has spanned history, wars and centuries. A true medieval fortress that has been preserved to the present day, it is one of the most impressive castles in the Île-de-France region. [Read more]
The Château de Vaux le Vicomte and its gardens, a fabulous estate in Seine-et-Marne
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 50 km from Paris, is one of the jewels of the Île-de-France region: its beauty even inspired the Château de Versailles. Come and visit this French heritage treasure, and its gardens, which offer great walks and activities for children. [Read more]
Discover the Château d'Écouen, a Renaissance jewel and national museum
Explore the Château d'Écouen, home to the National Renaissance Museum, located 20 km from Paris. Immerse yourself in the history of this exceptional site and admire its unique collections. [Read more]
Château d'Asnières-sur-Seine, an exceptional, little-known heritage site on the outskirts of Paris
If you don't live in Asnières-sur-Seine, you may be unaware of the existence of its château. Completely renovated during two restoration campaigns carried out by the town council in recent years, the site is now open to the public free of charge on certain Sundays of the year. [Read more]
Spend the night at Château de Breteuil (78), the inspiration for Charles Perrault's fairy tales.
The Château de Breteuil in Choisel, in the Yvelines region of France, is one of the places where you can experience the life of a château. You can spend a night, a weekend or a week here, for an enchanting stay. [Read more]
The Château and estate of Courances and its superb gardens
The Domaine et Château de Courances, located in the Gâtinais region of Essonne (91), is a wonderful place to discover. Classified as a Historic Monument and Remarkable Garden, this site welcomes you every weekend and public holiday from April to early November. We take you on a tour of this verdant haven of peace. [Read more]
The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, a journey into the world of cotton printing
The Musée de la Toile de Jouy, dedicated to the emblematic fabric printed with floral motifs and characters, is nestled in the Château de l'Églantine in Jouy-en-Josas (78). In addition to its historic collection, the museum regularly exhibits contemporary artists and organizes creative workshops! [Read more]
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. [Read more]
Château de Fontainebleau, the second home of the Kings of France
The Château de Fontainebleau invites you to discover its spaces and its history. Come and admire this superb château, with its medieval and classical styles, and its ornate gardens covering more than 130 hectares. [Read more]
Château de Vincennes: a royal fortress in Paris
Along with the Louvre, the Château de Vincennes is one of the most important castles in French history. It is also one of the largest and best-preserved fortified castles in Europe... [Read more]
Photos of the Château de Breteuil, its sublime gardens, stories and events
Château de Breteuil, at Choisel in the Chevreuse valley, is a must-see castle in the Yvelines region. A jewel of the 18th century, the château boasts sublime gardens to discover: a remarkable garden, century-old trees and a labyrinth await you. It also offers young and old alike the chance to plunge into the heart of Perrault's fairy tales. [Read more]
The most beautiful castles in Paris and around
Looking for the most beautiful castles in Paris, Île-de-France and around? Here are the most beautiful buildings to discover and visit. [Read more]
The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard and its Remarkable Garden
The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard, located in Essonne in the Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, is a remarkably well-preserved 19th-century château classified as a historic monument. Visitors flock here to discover the grounds, and in particular the Potager, which has been awarded the Jardin Remarquable label. [Read more]
The Château de Malmaison, from residence to museum
The Château de Malmaison, located in Rueil-Malmaison in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, is now home to the Napoleonic National Museum. During the French Revolution, Josephine Bonaparte acquired the property and it became the Palais Impérial de Malmaison, transforming it into the seat of government for a time. [Read more]
Not sure which castle to choose? This guide may help you decide: it lists the exhibitions currently being organized in the châteaux.
Exhibitions in the châteaux of Paris and the Île-de-France region: not-to-be-missed events
Châteaux can also offer some very fine exhibitions: that's what this guide shows, inviting you to discover the most beautiful cultural venues in the Île-de-France region at the moment. [Read more]
We hope you enjoy your visit and discover our region's heritage.
Exhibitions in the châteaux of Paris and the Île-de-France region: not-to-be-missed events
