This weekend is the very first weekend of September. And as you know, some museums and cultural sites are opening their doors for free! This includes these magnificent castles just outside Paris. These perfectly preserved former royal estates are just waiting for you to explore them!
Among the castles in the Île-de-France region to (re)discover for free this weekend, the Château de Fontainebleau is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable examples of France’s cultural heritage. Located about an hour from Paris, it captivates everyone lucky enough to visit it throughout the year. But did you know that it houses one of the most beautiful chapels in the Île-de-France region (and, dare we say, in the entire country)? It’s a treasure you can visit year-round, thanks to guided tours… And trust us, it’s worth the trip!
A little-known royal castle, combining history, a museum, and gardens designed by Le Nôtre. About 40 minutes from Paris, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is one of those former royal residences worth (re)discovering on the first Sunday of every month. Today, it houses Europe’s largest archaeological museum, as well as French-style gardens designed by Le Nôtre that offer a spectacular view of Paris. After serving various purposes (prison, garrison, school), it was restored under Napoleon III and is well worth a visit.
In Rueil-Malmaison, just a few kilometers from Paris, the Château de Malmaison is a historical treasure to (re)discover this weekend. Once the private residence of the Bonaparte couple, purchased by them in 1799, the Château de Malmaison underwent a complete renovation a few years ago. Decorated in an ancient style, the ground floor resembles the atrium of a Roman villa. Before the couple divorced and Josephine kept the beautiful residence, Napoleon used to host balls and other festivities there. Transformed by Josephine Bonaparte into a veritable botanical garden, the Château de Malmaison offers a journey of refinement and fresh air.
While the Sceaux estate is known for its cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring, visitors also love to linger and admire the beauty of its château. Built between 1856 and 1862 by the Duke and Duchess of Trévise, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the region. A château you must see at least once in your lifetime!
In the southern part of the Yvelines department, Rambouillet Castle is a lovely estate where many prominent figures in French history have stayed. During your free weekend visit, don’t miss the Queen’s Dairy, whose walls are entirely covered in seashells, or its park spanning over 900 hectares—a delightful place to stroll when the weather permits. A curiosity for its time, but definitely worth the detour!