Visit 4 castles around Paris for free this April 6, 2025

Castles across Île-de-France open their doors for free every first Sunday of the month. It's a perfect chance to explore our regional heritage without spending a penny this coming Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The first Sunday of the month is one of the most popular freemuseum and monument days in Paris and the surrounding area, but it's one that we tend to forget about, even though it gives us access to culture and our superb heritage without paying a cent. It's THE perfect opportunity to discover not only historic sites, but also temporary exhibitions full of new discoveries.

If, like us, your passion is heritage, then discover the 9 castles that are opening their doors to you for free on Sunday, March 1, 2026. From the most famous castles to hidden gems nestled in the charming towns of Île-de-France, these sites are rich with history and just waiting to be explored. So gather your loved ones or go as a duo and rediscover these timeless witnesses to France’s past — from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance — and step back into history.

For your pleasure, your culture and that of your children, we're off to enjoy these sublime châteaux in the Île-de-France region. Accessible by public transport for some and by car for others, they're the perfect way to get away from it all and enjoy the region's treasures, while taking a nice stroll.

Free Castles to Visit in Île-de-France This Sunday, March 1, 2026:

The Château of Fontainebleau: The Royal Residence of France
Located in Seine-et-Marne, the Château of Fontainebleau is a true gem of French heritage. Visitors can explore this historic site free of charge on the first Sunday of every month, except in June, July, and August 2026. This royal residence, which housed French monarchs for over eight centuries—from François I to Napoleon III—unveils its lavish apartments, Renaissance frescoed galleries, and classical French gardens. Join us to discover this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the famous François I Gallery, Napoleon's throne, and Marie Antoinette’s apartments. [Read more]

Castles that are free on the first Sunday of the month, all year round:

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]

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]

The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, high up in the Yvelines, was one of the royal residences of François I. Today, it houses the national archaeology museum. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, with over 29,000 objects on display! [Read more]

Free Castle Visits on the First Sunday of Each Month from November to March:

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... [Read more]

The Château de Rambouillet and its Bergerie nationale, an exceptional estate in the Paris region (78)
A princely, royal, imperial and then presidential residence, the Château de Rambouillet and its grounds are steeped in history and boast some remarkable nooks and crannies, including the Queen's Dairy, the Chaumière aux coquillages and the Bergerie nationale, not to be missed. [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]

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 Maisons-Laffitte, a pleasure home with a royal air, in the Yvelines department
In Maisons-Laffitte, in the Yvelines département, the town's château has all the hallmarks of a chateau, yet it was once a "simple" pleasure house! Less than an hour from Paris, it's a beautiful place to discover with family, friends or on your own. [Read more]

How about a free castle this Sunday?

And for other free tours:

Free Museums and Landmarks: Top Places to Visit this Sunday, March 1st, in Paris and Île-de-France
Which free museum should you visit in Paris or Île-de-France on the first Sunday of the month, Sunday, March 1, 2026? We’re delighted to stick to our little monthly tradition: exploring a museum or monument without spending a cent! Don’t miss out on these great Sunday deals... [Read more]

Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips
Looking for a free museum in Paris? The Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée d'Art Moderne, the Musée de l'Aviation, the Musée des Arts Asiatiques - over 20 museums are free all year round, and we've got some great ideas for getting out and learning something new. [Read more]