Château de Monte-Cristo

At the height of his fame — thanks to the success of “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo” — and with a touch of megalomania, Alexandre Dumas seeks to escape the commotion of Paris. “I want a Renaissance chateau that faces a gothic pavilion, surrounded by water and an English park, adorned with grottos, rockeries and waterfalls.” These were the instructions given by Dumas to his architect Hippolyte Durand, who built this earthly paradise near Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris, named after the eponymous hero of the author’s famous novel.

Architectural folly

The neo-Gothic chateau, with its entirely sculpted facades, is a listed historical monument. Inside, the writer’s memorabilia is on display: portraits, letters, books and such treasures as the astonishing finely decorated Moorish lounge, where you will find the busts of Dumas’s favourite writers: Dante, Shakespeare and Molière, as well as a whole host of exotic objects brought back from his travels.

Opposite, discover the Chateau d’If, a small Gothic castle surrounded by water, that served as the author’s study. Try to identify the 88 titles of his novels carved into the facades. Devotees can complete the experience by visiting the writer’s tomb at the Pantheon.

And from April to October you can take theatrical and musical tours where costumed actors recount life in the chateau during the Dumas era.

Just like Alexandre Dumas in his time, let yourself be won over during a weekend by the richness of this territory located just a stone's throw from Paris, the beauty of its river landscapes, its historical and architectural heritage and its large natural areas.

The great châteaux of Paris Region have their little secrets. Find out for yourself!