Heritage ruin guide

The Domaine de Saint Cloud, a huge park with many fountains near Paris

The Domaine de Saint-Cloud is the magnificent park of the now-defunct Château de Saint-Cloud. Even today, this magical place remains synonymous with festivities in the daily lives of local residents and Paris lovers alike. This historic 460-hectare park, classified as a Remarkable Garden, offers a variety of events throughout the year.

Where can you see the remains of the Philippe Auguste wall? Discover the ancient walls of Paris

Philippe Auguste's medieval enceinte encircled Paris at the end of the 12th century. Now no longer in existence, its remnants serve as a reminder of the capital's history. So where can you see what's left of this ancient wall that demarcated what were then the boundaries of Paris?

In Seine-et-Marne, discover the Gothic remains of a royal abbey (77)

In Dammarie-lès-Lys, in the heart of a tranquil park, the Gothic ruins of a Cistercian abbey founded by Blanche de Castille and Saint Louis in 1244 offer a romantic getaway for lovers of old stones and heritage to explore or photograph.

Château de Montagu, discover the ruins of a historic fortress in Essonne

Discover the Château de Montagu in Marcoussis (Essonne), medieval remains classified as a Historic Monument, available for guided tours and special days. With its ruins, restored tower and moat, this is a fascinating place for lovers of heritage and exploration.

The ruins of "Pâté-Pâris" (or Petit Château de Bercy), the remains of a folly in the heart of Paris

Around the bend of an alley in the Parc de Bercy, lie the discreet remains of a former aristocratic pavilion from the XVIIIᵉ century. A heritage curiosity perfect for urban explorers, photographers and walkers in search of hidden histories. Now's the time to discover the little Château de Bercy.

The ruins of the Moulin de Chelles, a curiosity in Seine-et-Marne

Explore the mysterious ruins of the Moulin de Chelles, an industrial relic hidden away on the banks of the Marne. The perfect heritage site for lovers of unusual walks, local history and photography.

In the footsteps of vanished monuments: Where can you see the remains of the Tuileries Palace in Paris?

Did you know? The famous Tuileries Gardens once housed a palace. It was the Palais des Tuileries. Remnants of this now defunct royal residence are now scattered around the world. Here's where to find them in Paris. Ready to explore the capital's past?

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.

Domaine national de Meudon (92): a royal walk through history, nature and curiosities

Just a stone's throw from Paris, the Château de Meudon estate offers a wonderful escape between royal remains, French parkland and a museum of art and history. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a Sunday stroller or just curious about the stars, this site perched on the heights of the Hauts-de-Seine region is full of surprises. A timeless stroll, between grand perspectives, hidden secrets and breathtaking views of the capital.

The Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale, a hidden garden of exotic treasures

Do you know the Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale René-Dumont? This exotic place steeped in history, hidden away in the Bois de Vincennes? We'll take you on a tour of this unusual garden with its many exotic treasures.

Guided tours of the ruins of Saint-Maur Abbey (94)

In the town of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés lies a little gem, an ancient abbey founded in 639, of which only the ruins remain today, and which can be admired on guided tours organized by the Société d'histoire et d'archéologie de Saint-Maur.

The Moulin de la Charité: a historic relic in the heart of the Montparnasse cemetery

In the heart of Paris's Cimetière du Montparnasse lie the remains of the last of the thirty or so mills that once populated the Montrouge plain. Find out more about the Moulin de la Charité, one of the sights to be discovered in Paris's 14th arrondissement.

Le Désert de Retz, the unusual Anglo-Chinese park in Yvelines

One of the most unusual spots in the Paris region is the Desert de Retz, at Chambourcy in the Yvelines. This 18th-century Anglo-Chinese garden is one of the few to have been preserved in its original state. This enchanting place, once frequented by the likes of Marie-Antoinette and Thomas Jefferson, stands out for its fanciful constructions. You'll also enjoy discovering the many remarkable trees that dominate the landscaped area.

History of Paris: the Cemetery of the Innocents and what remains of it today

Did you know? In the Halles district of Paris, there was once a well-known cemetery in the capital: the Cimetière des Innocents (or Saint Innocents' Cemetery). Discover its fascinating history and the few remaining vestiges.

The Paris archaeological crypt under Notre-Dame Cathedral

The archaeological crypt beneath the forecourt of Notre-Dame in Paris is a real step back in time. Here's what to expect when you visit.

Paris: discover the location of the last visible remnant of the capital's washhouses

A few centuries ago, there were almost 300 laundries in the capital. Unfortunately, these water-fed basins all disappeared when they ceased their activity, and only a vestige remains, just off the Place de la Bastille!