The Villarceaux Castle Estate belongs to those places that many people don’t really know — and for good reason: you have to go out of your way to visit. Nestled in the French Vexin, in Chaussy in the Val-d'Oise (95), far from major arteries and with no nearby train link, this exceptional regional domain requires a bit of effort. Its standout feature is that it houses not one but two castles within a single 70-hectare park: a 13th‑century medieval manor, known as the lower castle, and an elegant 18th‑century residence perched on the hillside, the upper castle. Entrance is completely free and open to all, year-round. And through November 1, 2026, the estate is also offering a program of free activities—surprisingly varied—led by the Île-de-France Region and Les Amis de Villarceaux. We visited during Historiques in early June, and here’s what to miss at your own pace.
The big surprise at Villarceaux is that you’d find two buildings from utterly different eras on the same estate. The 13th‑century manor house, commonly known as the lower castle, is closely tied to the history of Ninon de Lenclos, the renowned courtesan of the Grand Siècle who stayed there, whose 17th‑century painted chambers have remained intact. Beside it sit the manor’s outbuildings and the Ninon Pavilion (16th century), not open to the public, still shrouded in mystery. A little higher up the hill stands the Château du Haut of the 18th century, listed as a historic monument, opening onto a formal courtyard and, from its heights, offering a striking panorama of the entire park.
Between the two, the estate unfolds a collection of jardins labellisés Jardins remarquables that blend several styles: a French formal garden, an English-style garden, a botanical garden and a pastoral garden. You can stroll along the ponds, the grand étang and the famed vertugadin du XVIIIe siècle, this tiered terrace whose folded steps evoke the gathered skirts of the era, bordered by 14 statues rapportées d'Italie. Lower down, the parterre sur l'eau (XVIe siècle) unfolds gardens shaped like embroidery in boxwood, while the terrasse médiévale hosts a medicinal plant garden that recalls the site's antiquity. Fountains, waterfalls and pavilions complete this cohesive, rare panorama despite the centuries that separate it.
You can’t talk about Villarceaux without mentioning the Historiques, which just took place on June 6 and 7, 2026. The 15th edition was entirely free and open to all, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Strolling from the foot of the Saint-Nicolas tower to the eighteenth‑century château’s music salon, visitors walk through centuries of history through a packed program. Costume parades, medieval encampments, reenactments, artisan market... The grand costume parade on Sunday—open to visitors who come in period attire—captures the event’s spirit: learning while having fun, not taking things too seriously. A must-see for the 2027 edition.
Mostly free events, for all tastes and the whole family, are offered at the estate through November 1, 2026: concerts, dances, performances, guided walks by day or at dusk, hot-air balloon rides, nature activities… Here’s what remains on the program:
Beyond the events calendar, the estate offers several activities accessible throughout the season, again largely free of charge. Guided tours are organized every Saturday and Sunday, free with reservation, to uncover the secrets of Ninon’s manor, the Garden of Witches, or the Fountain of Youth. A conservatory kitchen garden, open daily and free, lets visitors follow, month by month, the fruits and vegetables once cultivated in the region. For families with children aged 8 and up, escape games (paid, reservation required) plunge participants into the heart of the 17th century alongside Ninon de Lenclos. Hot-air balloon rides are also available daily (paid, reservation required) to admire the estate’s beauty and the Parc naturel régional du Vexin français in awe-inspiring fashion.
The estate is open from 4 April to 1 November 2026, Tuesday to Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free access. Free guided tours are offered on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with no reservation required. For groups of 10 people or more, booking is mandatory at least 10 days in advance at 01 34 67 74 33 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1:45–5 p.m.). Note: picnics are not allowed on the estate, except during Saturdays in the Countryside when picnics are permitted anywhere in the park. A free app "Discover Villarceaux" has been available since April 2026 to help plan or enhance your visit.
Getting there remains the easiest option by car: head along the departmental road D86 toward Chaussy, then follow the signs to “Domaine de Villarceaux.” By public transport, the Baladobus, a shuttle serving the region’s main sights from Cergy-Pontoise, will drop you at the site. Cyclists and hikers can also reach the domain from Bonnières-sur-Seine station (line J). Note: the estate is only partially accessible to visitors with reduced mobility due to its varying elevations. For nocturnal walks that require a reservation, contact the domain at domainedevillarceaux@iledefrance.fr. The full 2026 season program can be downloaded from the Île-de-France Region website.
The estate is vast, and you only realize it once you’re there. The château du Haut, perched on the hillside, earns its keep: the climb up the stairs takes a bit of effort, especially in hot weather. We suggest bringing good walking shoes, especially if you’re visiting with kids. The payoff is worth it: the view from above over the park and the ponds is one of the most beautiful surprises the estate has to offer.
This little-known heritage gem is for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path cultural outing, whether you’re with family, a fan of live music, nature, or history. A free tip to keep handy for sunny days in Île-de-France.
Dates and Opening Time
From April 4, 2026 to November 1, 2026
Location
Domaine de Villarceaux
Domaine régional de Villarceaux
95710 Chaussy
Access
By car: take the D86 towards Chaussy and follow the signs for "Domaine de Villarceaux". By public transport: take the Baladobus shuttle bus from Cergy-Pontoise to the main tourist sites in the Vexin.
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.iledefrance.fr
