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

Châteaux of Île-de-France open their doors for free on the first Sunday of every month, and September is no exception. Here’s a great chance to discover our Île-de-France heritage without dipping into your pocket this Sunday, September 6, 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, you’re passionate about heritage, discover the 7 castles that open to you for free this Sunday, September 6, 2026. From the most famous castles to hidden monuments in the small towns of Île-de-France, these are historically rich sites right at your fingertips. So head out, whether as a duo or with family, to (re)discover these witnesses to France’s history that plunge you into the past, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

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 admission to Île-de-France castles this Sunday, September 6, 2026:

Fontainebleau Castle, the Kings of France's Country Residence
A true jewel of French heritage in Seine-et-Marne, the Fontainebleau Castle reveals itself free of charge on the first Sunday of each month, except for June, July and August. This royal residence, which welcomed French sovereigns for eight centuries—from Francis I to Napoleon III—unfolds its sumptuous apartments, its galleries adorned with Renaissance frescoes, and its French-style gardens. Let’s go and discover this exceptional castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can admire the famed 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:

The Villarceaux Estate and Its Two Castles
The Villarceaux estate, open to the public free of charge in Chaussy, Val d'Oise (95), houses two classified châteaux set in a 70-hectare park and offers, through November 2026, a program of free activities: concerts, night-time strolls, performances and nature. We went to explore the site and here’s everything. [Read more]

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. [Read more]

Château-Musée de Nemours : discover this little-known medieval fortress, a unique gem in Île-de-France
Rare urban medieval castle in Île-de-France, the Château-Musée de Nemours reopened its doors this April with the exhibition "Paysages d'eau" ("Water Landscapes"), just a stone's throw from the Loing, its free-access gardens, and a Natura 2000–listed island. It’s the transportive discovery that’s well worth the detour. [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]

Sceaux Castle
The Château de Sceaux, the jewel of the Hauts-de-Seine Departmental Museum, opens its doors free of charge on the first Sunday of every month, year-round. An opportunity to discover, at no cost, its collections devoted to French taste, from Louis XIV to Napoleon III. [Read more]

And what about areas near Île-de-France?

Château de Compiègne: a Royal and Imperial heritage within easy reach
The Château de Compiègne, built on the initiative of Louis XV and Louis XVI, then refurbished under Napoleon I and Napoleon III, is a living page in French history. Located in the town of Compiègne, 80 kilometers from Paris, this architectural gem is one of France's most important royal and imperial residences, alongside Versailles and Fontainebleau. [Read more]

How about a free castle this Sunday?

And for more free tours:

Free museums and monuments: places to visit this Sunday, September 6, in Paris and Île-de-France
Which free museum should you visit in Paris or the Île-de-France region on the first Sunday of the month, Sunday, September 6, 2026? We happily return to our monthly ritual: discovering a museum or monument without spending a dime. Don’t miss these Sunday tips... [Read more]

Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals
Are you looking for a free museum in Paris or a free monument in Île-de-France? Free-access venues, free tours on the first Sunday of each month, museums free for under-26s and for teachers: discover the cultural deals you won’t want to miss. [Read more]