Paris has been France’s historic capital for centuries, and the greater Paris region boasts a unique cultural wealth. Museums, cultural centers, political buildings past and present… Paris Secret invites you to discover the most beautiful châteaux in the Île-de-France region! Former royal residences, different architectural eras, treasures of elegance and refinement… Places that ensure the region’s international renown, within easy reach of the Navigo pass!
Château de Monte-Cristo, former home of Alexandre Dumas
This picturesque château was the former home of writer Alexandre Dumas. It was during a stroll through the forest of Marly that the artist decided to settle here, building a Renaissance-style château unlike any other. The 9-hectare estate features English-style gardens and a small castel, the Château d’If, which Dumas used as a place of work and refuge. An amazing place to discover!
🏰Location: Chem. du Haut des Ormes, 78560 Le Port-Marly
Château de Sceaux, and its floral gardens
While we know the Domaine de Sceaux for its cherry blossoms in springtime, we also love to linger over the beauty of its château. Built between 1856 and 1862 by the Duke and Duchess of Treviso, it is undoubtedly one of the finest in the region. A castle to see at least once in your life!
🏰 Location: All. d’Honneur, 92330 Sceaux
Château de Breteuil, the Yvelines nugget
A veritable nugget to be admired in the Yvelines, the Château de Breteuil is a jewel not to be missed. A château owned by the same family for ten generations, lost in time. What’s more, the estate is located in a national nature park, making the château’s gardens one of the most magnificent green spaces in the region. And to add a little enchantment to this already spellbinding château, wax sculptures created by the Musée Grévin depict characters from Perrault’s fairy tales throughout the estate. Puss in Boots, Little Red Riding Hood, Bluebeard, Thumbelina… All there to entertain the little ones (or the grown-ups, we won’t judge) while the grown-ups admire the castle’s architecture. We’ll also try our hand at the labyrinth challenge, to make you feel like Cinderella.
🏰 Location: 78460 Choisel.
Château de Fontainebleau and its magnificent forest
What makes the Château de Fontainebleau so special is that it was built over a period of eight centuries. Its architecture has thus been marked by several movements over the years, from its medieval construction to its classical finishes, after a Renaissance transformation. With its four museums, vast estate and magnificent forest, the Château de Fontainebleau is a must-see. From Philippe Le Bel to Napoleon III, each resident has left traces of his extravagance and wealth here.
🏰 Location: 77 300 Fontainebleau
Château de Vincennes and its keep
Did you know that Europe’s tallest keep is located in the Paris region? At 50 meters high, the dungeon at Château de Vincennes stands head and shoulders above the rest. A truly imposing fortress on the outskirts of Paris, Château de Vincennes is the most beautiful castle to be discovered on the immediate outskirts of the capital. An authentic medieval building surrounded by a 7-metre-deep moat, it is only accessible via stone bridges, allowing it to retain all its character. After climbing 250 steps, you can also admire the breathtaking view from the imposing keep. And if you’ve finished visiting the château earlier than planned,the Bois de Vincennes awaits you for a little siesta in the shade.
🏰Location: Avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes.
Château de Malmaison, one of the most beautiful châteaux around Paris
In Rueil-Malmaison, just a few kilometers from Paris, the Château de Malmaison is a historical treasure to be discovered. The private residence of the Bonaparte couple, bought by the couple in 1799, the Château de Malmaison underwent a complete renovation a few years ago. Decorated as if in Antiquity, the first floor resembles the atrium of a Roman villa. Before the couple divorced and Joséphine kept the beautiful residence, Napoleon held balls and other festivities here. Transformed by Joséphine Bonaparte into a veritable botanical garden, the Château de Malmaison is a voyage of refinement and fresh air.
🏰 Location: Avenue du château de la Malmaison, 92500 Rueil-Malmaison.
The Château de Versailles, the domain of kings at the gateway to Paris
The château that needs no introduction. The largest château in the world, whose grounds extend over almost 900 hectares, is a jewel to be discovered at least once. A symbol of royal wealth and extravagance, Versailles has been home to several generations of French kings. With its gardens, Petit and Grand Trianon, Orangerie, Hall of Mirrors, Royal Chapel and other magnificent monuments, Versailles is undeniably a must-see on your châteaux tour.
🏰 Location: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles.
Château de Rambouillet, a lovely château to visit in the Île-de-France region
Located in the southern Yvelines department, the Château de Rambouillet is a pretty estate where great figures from French history have stayed. Don’t miss the Queen’s dairy, whose walls are entirely covered in shells. A curiosity for its time, but well worth the detour!
🏰 Location: Domaine national de Rambouillet 78120