Feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of Paris without having to go too far? How about a walk that combines the beauty of nature with a passion for heritage? The Château de Meudon estate is just ten kilometers from Paris as the crow flies. Perched high up in the Hauts-de-Seine region, this surprising site combines royal ruins, a museum of art and history, a formal garden and even... an astronomical observatory. It's easy to get to by RER, train or bicycle, and you can happily lose yourself for a few hours or a whole day, following the perspectives designed by Le Nôtre and the stories told in the museum's cosy rooms.
The estate has undergone many metamorphoses since the 16th century. Originally, it was a Renaissance château built for Antoine Sanguin, a lord well introduced to the court thanks to his niece Anne de Pisseleu, favorite of François I. The site was subsequently enlarged, embellished and rebuilt. Illustrious names crossed its path: the Guise family, then Abel Servien, Louis XIV's minister, who designed a monumental 450-meter terrace.
It was the Grand Dauphin, son of the Sun King, who put the finishing touches to the complex at the turn of the 18th century. He commissioned the famous Jules Hardouin-Mansart to design a Château-Neuf in the Baroque style then in vogue. Louis Le Vau, one of the great architects of Versailles, also left his mark, notably on the orangery. Burnt down during the 1870 war, the château was largely destroyed, but the traces remain, and the grandeur of a place designed to rival Versailles can still be felt today.
The magic of Meudon is its blend of ruined splendor and tranquil life. From the large terrace, the view extends over the whole of Paris. The garden below, redesigned in the French style, is an invitation to stroll: ponds, groves, straight perspectives like royal alleys. Looking for a family outing? The park is perfect for children's games and picnics. Looking for a romantic setting for a date? The water mirror and mossy staircases will make you forget the 21st century. It's a vast, open space, punctuated by vistas, nooks and crannies and stories to tell.
The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Museum of Art and History) whispers these stories to you from the rue des Pierres, just a stone's throw from the park. Free of charge and open every afternoon except Monday, the museum offers a glimpse into local memory, with paintings, unusual objects and portraits of famous Meudonnais. You'll learn that Napoleon II was born at the château, thatArmande Béjart, wife of Molière, had her ties here, and that the nearby observatory continues to scan the stars, where courtiers once peered into the future. Children's workshops, storytelling tours, temporary exhibitions - there's something for everyone all year round.
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Dates and Opening Time
From December 29, 2025 to December 31, 2026
Location
Domaine National de Meudon
92190 Meudon
92190 Meudon
