A guide to little-known châteaux

This Louis XIII-era château in the Yvelines is set to rise again after two years of work.

The restoration of Château de Plaisir, a Louis XIII jewel in Yvelines, enters the final stretch after two years of work. The historic monument and its 17th-century dovecote are gearing up to begin a new chapter of cultural life.

This historic château in Essonne, now the town hall, hides a remarkable botanical park that’s free to visit.

In Lardy, the castle park—now the town hall—runs along the Juine for six hectares and features remarkable century-old trees in Essonne, freely accessible year-round. We treated ourselves to a quick outing to reveal this surprising green space and its castle.

Yvelines : this château, with its peculiar, flower-filled park, was once a Louis XIV estate

Built on the remains of an ancient royal castle, the Château de Buc is a treasure to be discovered in the Yvelines, whether to enjoy its park and playground or to discover the cultural program on offer.

Yvelines: the little-known château that inspired Ronsard and Cézanne is open to visitors!

Nestled on the banks of the Seine in Médan, Yvelines, the Château de Médan is a former hunting lodge listed as a Historic Monument, a site whose history weaves together poetry, painting and royal intrigues. The château is open to visitors once a month, for group bookings, or on special occasions such as Open Gardens or Heritage Days—we’ve got the full details.