Top 10 Must-See Castles near Paris
Paris is a city that is rich in history, culture, and art. But beyond its famous landmarks, there are also many hidden gems that are worth exploring. One of them is the impressive array of castles that surround the city, each with its own charm and story. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a historical adventure, or a scenic escape, you will find a castle that suits your taste. Here are the best 10 castles near Paris that you should not miss.
RECOMMENDED: TOP-15 Best Parks in Paris, Best Art Galleries in Paris.
RECOMMENDED: TOP-15 Best Parks in Paris, Best Art Galleries in Paris.
Château de Versailles
Known for:
The Château de Versailles is renowned worldwide for its iconic Hall of Mirrors, which was used for royal ceremonies and receptions, such as the wedding of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in 1770. This grand gallery features 357 mirrors that reflect the opulent décor, dazzling chandeliers, and intricate designs of the palace's interiors. It stands as a symbol of French luxury and craftsmanship.
Why visit:
To experience an opulent world of French royalty. The Hall of Mirrors, in particular, is a must-see for its historical significance. It was the setting for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, marking the end of World War I. The gallery's stunning beauty, historical importance, and the chance to explore the lavish palace grounds and gardens make it an essential destination for history enthusiasts, art aficionados, and anyone curious about the lavish lifestyles of kings and queens.
The Château de Versailles is renowned worldwide for its iconic Hall of Mirrors, which was used for royal ceremonies and receptions, such as the wedding of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in 1770. This grand gallery features 357 mirrors that reflect the opulent décor, dazzling chandeliers, and intricate designs of the palace's interiors. It stands as a symbol of French luxury and craftsmanship.
Why visit:
To experience an opulent world of French royalty. The Hall of Mirrors, in particular, is a must-see for its historical significance. It was the setting for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, marking the end of World War I. The gallery's stunning beauty, historical importance, and the chance to explore the lavish palace grounds and gardens make it an essential destination for history enthusiasts, art aficionados, and anyone curious about the lavish lifestyles of kings and queens.
Château de Fontainebleau
Known for:
The Château de Fontainebleau is renowned for its captivating Renaissance Gallery (Galerie de Diane). It was commissioned by King Francis I and decorated by Italian artists such as Rosso Fiorentino and Francesco Primaticcio. Adorned with intricate frescoes, elaborate ceilings, and intricate details, this gallery is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture. It is a showcase of the artistic brilliance of the era.
Why visit:
Visiting the Château de Fontainebleau grants you a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Renaissance art and culture. The gallery's ornate decorations, mythological scenes, and artistic representations provide a unique glimpse into the past. Beyond the gallery, the château's historical significance as a residence for French monarchs and its sprawling gardens make it a destination that combines art, history, and natural beauty.
The Château de Fontainebleau is renowned for its captivating Renaissance Gallery (Galerie de Diane). It was commissioned by King Francis I and decorated by Italian artists such as Rosso Fiorentino and Francesco Primaticcio. Adorned with intricate frescoes, elaborate ceilings, and intricate details, this gallery is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture. It is a showcase of the artistic brilliance of the era.
Why visit:
Visiting the Château de Fontainebleau grants you a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Renaissance art and culture. The gallery's ornate decorations, mythological scenes, and artistic representations provide a unique glimpse into the past. Beyond the gallery, the château's historical significance as a residence for French monarchs and its sprawling gardens make it a destination that combines art, history, and natural beauty.
Château de Chantilly
Known for:
The Château de Chantilly is home to the Condé Museum, famed for its exceptional collection of artworks spanning centuries. The museum houses masterpieces by renowned artists like Raphael, Delacroix, and Ingres, making it a treasure trove of European art history.
Why visit:
A visit to the Condé Museum is a journey through the artistic heritage of Europe. The museum's diverse collection offers insights into different periods and styles, allowing you to appreciate the evolution of art. The Condé Museum also has the second largest collection of paintings in France after the Louvre Museum. Beyond the art, the Château de Chantilly's serene gardens provide a peaceful backdrop, and the Great Stables, with their equestrian displays, add another layer of fascination to your visit.
The Château de Chantilly is home to the Condé Museum, famed for its exceptional collection of artworks spanning centuries. The museum houses masterpieces by renowned artists like Raphael, Delacroix, and Ingres, making it a treasure trove of European art history.
Why visit:
A visit to the Condé Museum is a journey through the artistic heritage of Europe. The museum's diverse collection offers insights into different periods and styles, allowing you to appreciate the evolution of art. The Condé Museum also has the second largest collection of paintings in France after the Louvre Museum. Beyond the art, the Château de Chantilly's serene gardens provide a peaceful backdrop, and the Great Stables, with their equestrian displays, add another layer of fascination to your visit.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Known for:
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is celebrated for its opulent State Apartments, including the impressive Grand Salon. The castle was built by Nicolas Fouquet, the finance minister of King Louis XIV. The château's splendor aroused the king's jealousy, leading to Fouquet's arrest and imprisonment.
Why visit:
Exploring the State Apartments at the Vaux-le-Vicomte offers a glimpse into the refined world of the French aristocracy. The apartments feature exquisite frescoes, intricate moldings, and period furniture, showcasing the elegance and refinement of 17th-century French design. The meticulous attention to detail in the interiors is a testament to the artistry of the era. The symmetrical gardens designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre add to the beauty of the château's surroundings. Visitors interested in history, art, and architecture will find the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte to be a captivating destination.
Discover the most interesting Paris excursions to castles and other attractions.
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is celebrated for its opulent State Apartments, including the impressive Grand Salon. The castle was built by Nicolas Fouquet, the finance minister of King Louis XIV. The château's splendor aroused the king's jealousy, leading to Fouquet's arrest and imprisonment.
Why visit:
Exploring the State Apartments at the Vaux-le-Vicomte offers a glimpse into the refined world of the French aristocracy. The apartments feature exquisite frescoes, intricate moldings, and period furniture, showcasing the elegance and refinement of 17th-century French design. The meticulous attention to detail in the interiors is a testament to the artistry of the era. The symmetrical gardens designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre add to the beauty of the château's surroundings. Visitors interested in history, art, and architecture will find the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte to be a captivating destination.
Discover the most interesting Paris excursions to castles and other attractions.
Château de Malmaison
Known for:
The Château de Malmaison is particularly known for its intimate rooms that provide insight into the lives of Napoleon and Josephine. These rooms, including Napoleon's study and Josephine's bedroom, offer a glimpse into their personal tastes, interests, and daily lives.
Why visit:
Visiting the Château de Malmaison offers a unique opportunity to connect with the personal history of Napoleon and Josephine. The intimate spaces reveal aspects of their personalities and the historical context of their time. The well-preserved rooms, along with the lovely gardens surrounding the château, create an atmosphere that transports you to the era of the First French Empire. For history enthusiasts and those curious about the lives of historical figures, this château provides a truly immersive experience.
The Château de Malmaison is particularly known for its intimate rooms that provide insight into the lives of Napoleon and Josephine. These rooms, including Napoleon's study and Josephine's bedroom, offer a glimpse into their personal tastes, interests, and daily lives.
Why visit:
Visiting the Château de Malmaison offers a unique opportunity to connect with the personal history of Napoleon and Josephine. The intimate spaces reveal aspects of their personalities and the historical context of their time. The well-preserved rooms, along with the lovely gardens surrounding the château, create an atmosphere that transports you to the era of the First French Empire. For history enthusiasts and those curious about the lives of historical figures, this château provides a truly immersive experience.
Château de Rambouillet
Known for:
This is one of the most beautiful castles near Paris. The Château de Rambouillet is known for its picturesque gardens, serene surroundings, and its historical significance as a former royal residence. The castle's elegant architecture and charming interiors reflect its rich history and connection to French monarchs.
Why visit:
To enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The tranquil gardens provide a relaxing environment for a leisurely stroll, and the castle's guided tours allow you to explore its well-preserved rooms and learn about its royal past. It's a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and a touch of regal elegance.
This is one of the most beautiful castles near Paris. The Château de Rambouillet is known for its picturesque gardens, serene surroundings, and its historical significance as a former royal residence. The castle's elegant architecture and charming interiors reflect its rich history and connection to French monarchs.
Why visit:
To enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The tranquil gardens provide a relaxing environment for a leisurely stroll, and the castle's guided tours allow you to explore its well-preserved rooms and learn about its royal past. It's a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and a touch of regal elegance.
Château de Pierrefonds
Known for:
The Château de Pierrefonds is renowned for its fairytale-like appearance and its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. The castle's impressive towers, drawbridge, and fortified walls give it a captivating and romantic allure.
Why visit:
Exploring the Château de Pierrefonds feels like stepping into a storybook. Its unique blend of architectural styles, along with the scenic surroundings, makes it a favorite among visitors seeking a sense of magic and history. The castle's appearance has also made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. A visit here is an opportunity to experience the charm of a medieval fortress brought to life.
The Château de Pierrefonds is renowned for its fairytale-like appearance and its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. The castle's impressive towers, drawbridge, and fortified walls give it a captivating and romantic allure.
Why visit:
Exploring the Château de Pierrefonds feels like stepping into a storybook. Its unique blend of architectural styles, along with the scenic surroundings, makes it a favorite among visitors seeking a sense of magic and history. The castle's appearance has also made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. A visit here is an opportunity to experience the charm of a medieval fortress brought to life.
Château de Courances
Known for:
The Château de Courances is known for its magnificent water gardens, which are among the most beautifully landscaped gardens in France. The castle itself boasts elegant interiors and offers a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle.
Why visit:
To marvel at the meticulously designed water gardens that have enchanted visitors for centuries. The castle's interiors and guided tours offer insight into the historical context of the estate. For those seeking both natural beauty and historical depth, this château offers a harmonious blend of the two.
The Château de Courances is known for its magnificent water gardens, which are among the most beautifully landscaped gardens in France. The castle itself boasts elegant interiors and offers a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle.
Why visit:
To marvel at the meticulously designed water gardens that have enchanted visitors for centuries. The castle's interiors and guided tours offer insight into the historical context of the estate. For those seeking both natural beauty and historical depth, this château offers a harmonious blend of the two.
Château de Breteuil
Known for:
The Château de Breteuil is known for its enchanting gardens, elegant interiors, and unique collection of automatons that depict scenes from famous French literary works.
Why visit:
The Château de Breteuil promises a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. The gardens provide a peaceful escape, while the castle's interiors offer a glimpse into the lives of its former residents. The collection of automatons, each portraying a scene from classic French literature, adds a touch of whimsy and creativity to the visit. It's a family-friendly destination that combines history, art, and storytelling.
The Château de Breteuil is known for its enchanting gardens, elegant interiors, and unique collection of automatons that depict scenes from famous French literary works.
Why visit:
The Château de Breteuil promises a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. The gardens provide a peaceful escape, while the castle's interiors offer a glimpse into the lives of its former residents. The collection of automatons, each portraying a scene from classic French literature, adds a touch of whimsy and creativity to the visit. It's a family-friendly destination that combines history, art, and storytelling.
Château de Meudon
Known for:
The Château de Meudon is known for its stunning panoramic views of Paris and its historical significance as a former royal residence. While the castle is partially in ruins, it retains a sense of grandeur. In 1878, the castle was converted into an observatory, which is still in operation today.
Why visit:
Despite its partial ruins, the Château de Meudon offers a unique vantage point to admire sweeping views of the city of Paris. The castle's hilltop location adds a touch of drama to the scenery. It's a place to reflect on history, enjoy breathtaking views, and explore the remnants of a once magnificent residence. Visitors seeking a contemplative experience and a different perspective on Paris will find Château de Meudon captivating.
The Château de Meudon is known for its stunning panoramic views of Paris and its historical significance as a former royal residence. While the castle is partially in ruins, it retains a sense of grandeur. In 1878, the castle was converted into an observatory, which is still in operation today.
Why visit:
Despite its partial ruins, the Château de Meudon offers a unique vantage point to admire sweeping views of the city of Paris. The castle's hilltop location adds a touch of drama to the scenery. It's a place to reflect on history, enjoy breathtaking views, and explore the remnants of a once magnificent residence. Visitors seeking a contemplative experience and a different perspective on Paris will find Château de Meudon captivating.