Castles and Palaces of Paris Region

To go back to the days of keeps, drawbridges and moats, visit the château de Vincennes. This fortified castle features the relics of a past century. You can explore between different chapters of the history of France. This visit tells a fascinating story of kings, from Louis XI to Napoleon I.

The Louvre may be the biggest museum in the world but, before that, the Louvre Palace was the first residence of the kings of France. French monarchs resided here until 1681, the year of completion of the Palace of Versailles. The remains of the fortified castle can still be seen in the basement of the Louvre Museum, while the upper floors of the Louvre still ooze with the presence of kings.

Paris is also dotted with lesser-known châteaux that are just as memorable as their famous counterparts. Visit the Château de Longchamps, for example, which houses the GoodPlanet foundation. Here in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, set amid 3 hectares of woodland, stands the first eco-friendly grand events venue of Paris. Wander around the gardens to find out all about the foundation’s history.

Then stop in the 1st arrondissement of Paris to visit the Palais de la Conciergerie. This other royal residence of France served as a prison during the French Revolution. Its most famous prisoner was none other than Marie-Antoinette. The tour includes her prison cell, which was converted into a remembrance chapel during the Restoration. There are no less than 5 centuries of history to explore within its walls. From the Prisoners’ Corridor to the room displaying 2,780 names of people who were sentenced to death, an immersive tour awaits you. An iconic site that has to be visited during any trip to the Île-de-France region.

How could we not mention the most iconic château of them all? That which was home to every king and queen of France and many more besides? Boasting no less than 7 million visitors, the Palace of Versailles is unquestionably one of the most visited historic monuments in the world.

Built in the 17th century under the supervision of Louis XIV, this palace is the very embodiment of the grandeur of the French monarchy. Surrounded by vast gardens designed by the famous landscape architect André Le Nôtre, the palace is a perfect example of classical architecture.

Who has never wanted to tread the same soil as the Sun King? Treat yourself to a timeless experience in the rooms of the palace. Each one has a story to tell about royalty and splendour. Don’t forget to stop in the Hall of Mirrors. This 73-metre-long hall decorated in marble, frescoes and 357 mirrors was the envy of every royal court in Europe. Not only does it enjoy a breathtaking view of the gardens, it is also the place where historic treaties have been signed.

The Palace of Versailles also invites you to visit its formal gardens You’ll enjoy an enchanting stroll between the orangery, the sculptures, the flower beds, the groves, the fountains and the ornamental ponds.

The story goes that the Palace of Versailles was not the fruit of the Sun King’s imagination but inspired by another palace, the château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Fancy a picnic in the park? Why not visit the gardens of the many châteaux of Île-de-France, to treat yourself to a unique moment, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris?

Their grounds are often open to visitors. But there’s more to do than just enjoy a picnic. You can join a guided tour, visit an exhibition or a museum, and the children can participate in various fun activities.

From Marne to Yvelines, come and take a breath of fresh air in the Paris Region’s spacious gardens.

Why not visit the châteaux of Île-de-France from a different angle? You’ll appreciate the view from the river Seine or the river Marne as you pass some of the most majestic sights the region has to offer. Among them is the château de Champs sur Marne. Set amid the greenery just east of Paris, this gem of classical architecture dates from the 18th century. It is famous for its formal gardens and its pleasure palace frequented by historic characters and figures of literature. Explore the richly decorated neo-classical halls featuring exceptional furnishings and more than 900 collector pieces, not forgetting the variety of exhibitions and workshops. This charming site has even attracted filmmakers and been used as the set of many movies.

A stone’s throw from the Seine there’s also the château de Malmaison. Here, you’ll be transported to Napoleon’s era. This palace offers a fascinating glimpse of the day-to-day life of Napoleon’s first wife, Josephine. Further along the river, you can also visit the Château d’Asnières. This little-known gem of the Île-de-France region was built in the 17th century. Its stone walls, attic rooms and elegant detail immerse you totally in the local history.

When palaces become museums. These buildings, be they former royal residences or the homes of aristocrats, have opened their doors to house some truly exceptional museums. The Louvre Museum occupies the former royal palace neglected by Louis XIV, who preferred the Palace of Versailles.

As for the castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which for centuries was a royal palace and the birthplace of several monarchs, this château now houses the National Archaeology Museum. More than 30,000 objects are on display here, as evidence of human activity from Prehistory (Palaeolithic era) to the Carolingian period.