In the heart of this château in Seine-et-Marne, you might come face-to-face with a château entirely covered in mirrors. The effect is quite stunning: the facades reflect the trees, the sky, and the ponds, to the point that the building almost seems to disappear into the landscape. A unique getaway, just about thirty minutes from Paris.
An easy walk to enjoy a change of scenery without leaving the Île-de-France region
The Rentilly estate covers about 50 hectares between Bussy-Saint-Martin and Bussy-Saint-Georges. It features long tree-lined paths, vast lawns, several ponds, and wooded areas where you can easily spend two or three hours walking.
Built in the 16th century and subsequently remodeled several times, the château underwent a complete transformation in 2014. Artist Xavier Veilhan, working with architects Philippe Bona and Élisabeth Lemercier, designed a façade clad in polished stainless steel panels and one-way mirrors. The result: the château fully reflects its surroundings and becomes almost a work of art in its own right.
Inside, the building now houses the Marne and Gondoire Intermunicipal Museum, featuring regularly changing contemporary art exhibitions. Admission is free, as is access to the park.
But the park isn’t limited to just the château: between the grand French-style vistas, the wilder areas inspired by English gardens, and the many remarkable trees, the atmosphere of the walk changes as you follow the paths. Some come here to run, others to picnic, or simply to settle down on the grass with a book when the warm weather returns.
Accessible via the RER A to Torcy, then by bus or on foot, Rentilly offers a true escape from Paris while remaining very easy to reach. With its mirror castle—the only one of its kind in France—and its immense park, Rentilly is clearly one of the region’s must-see destinations.
📍Rentilly Park – 1 Rue de l’Étang, 77607 Bussy-Saint-Martin