Île-de-france castle guide

The medieval fortress of Beynes, the jewel of the Yvelines, has been linked to Diane de Poitiers.

Medieval fortress in the Yvelines, Beynes Castle hides a centuries-spanning history and an unexpected link to Diane de Poitiers. Just 30 km from Paris, in the heart of this Yvelines town, its ruins listed as a Historic Monument are to be discovered year-round in Beynes. We set out to explore the site on a weekend escape and share a glimpse of its secrets.

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.

Discovering the Château d'Écouen, a Renaissance jewel and national museum

Discover the Château d'Écouen, home to the National Museum of the Renaissance, just 20 kilometers from Paris. Delve into the history of this remarkable site and marvel at its unique collections.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the Yvelines, this listed castle is set to see its 17th-century dovecote brought back to life.

In the Yvelines department, the historic Château de Plaisir has secured a fundraising boost of 302,000 euros to restore its 17th-century dovecote and façades. This initiative is part of a youth employment project set to begin in the fall of 2024.

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.

The Château of Vincennes: A Royal Fortress at the Gates of 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...

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.

This historic château in Seine-Saint-Denis, now serving as a cultural venue, has been designated as a regional heritage site.

Discover the Château de Ladoucette in Drancy, a historic and cultural gem of Seine-Saint-Denis. This 16th-century castle, rebuilt in the 19th century, reflects the lesser-known heritage of Île-de-France. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and events amidst a park designated as a regional heritage site.

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!

(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.

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.

The Château de la Reine Blanche, a curiosity to discover for free in the 13th arrondissement - photos

A castle in the heart of Paris? In the 13th arrondissement of Paris, hidden from view, a royal manor house has been in hiding since the end of the 13th century. And you can discover it for free with guided tours until September!

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.

The Château de Monte-Cristo, Alexandre Dumas' hidden and unusual home

Discover the Château de Monte-Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. Set in an English garden on the Saint-Germain-en-Laye side of the Yvelines region, this exuberantly styled 19th-century château and its small Château d'If (Yew Castle) are waiting to be discovered. We take you on a tour of this hidden heritage, listed as a historic monument.

Château de Blandy-les-Tours, a medieval monument in a charming Seine-et-Marne village

The little-known Château de Blandy-les-Tours, located in the very center of a picturesque village in the Seine-et-Marne region, boasts 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. We take you on a voyage of discovery.