Things to do in Villers-Cotterêts for self travelers

Knights on white horses, swashbuckling invaders and a creaking drawbridge, you can imagine it all in action here at Château de Pierrefonds. But this ex-imperial residence for Napoleon III was actually redesigned in the style of the Middle Ages, just for him!

Nestled within the majestic Renaissance castle of Villers-Cotterêts, built in 1532 by François Ier, lies the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française. This captivating destination is devoted to sharing and nurturing a love for a living language, continually reinvented by those who speak it across the globe. With its sprawling 1200m2, the exhibition halls are a feast for the senses, enriched by a dynamic cultural program. Everyone will find something to like, from the lively performance hall to the tranquil courtyards to the cozy café and well-stocked bookstore. As you soak up more knowledge of the French language, take advantage of the beautiful greenery of the Retz Forest at the International City of the French Language.