14 castles to visit in Île de France

Are you dreaming of cape and sword adventures? So, go back to time in the most beautiful castles to visit in Île de France!

In Renaissance or classical style, the castles to visit around Paris compete with magnificence. It is true that the luxury buildings and the artistic gardens continue only one goal, that of marrying the guests. In your turn, stroll through these incredible residences to the tedious ornamentation and let yourself be charmed by these castles. In order to discover more behind the scenes of history, opt for costumed guided tours when available. Finally, close these excursions in the most beautiful ways: by a walk in the exceptional parks, at the foot of the castles. So among the castles to visit in Île de France, which one will you choose?

1. Château de Fontainebleau

First of all, let us open our selection of castles to visit in Île de France with Fontainebleau, a royal residence par excellence. For proof, he has been inhabited by all kings since François I. Note that Napoleon I and Napoleon III also honored the castle.

It is therefore a journey in the history of France that awaits you. There are no less than 1500 rooms and 130 hectares of parks to marvel at visitors.

2. Château de Monte-Cristo

Among the castles to visit around Paris, that of Monte-Cristo will surprise you. This is not the residence of the fictional count, but of its creator Alexandre Dumas. The latter makes him build after the success of his novels The Count of Monte-Cristo and Three Musketeers .

The pearls of this castle located in Port-Marly? Undeniably, it is the sublime Moorish lounge and the small castle of the Iif, nestled in the green park.

3. Château de Vincennes

Jouxtant Paris, the Château de Vincennes rose to the status of royal residence from the 12th century before being abandoned for Versailles. However, it continues to be used for unpleasant purposes. Indeed, the dungeon was transformed into a prison from the 15th to the 19th century. In fact, famous prisoners were imprisoned there. Examples include the Marquis de Sade.

During your visit you can also see the Sainte-Chapelle and a magnificent view of Paris from the terrace.

4. Château de Versailles

Let us continue our top of the castles to visit in Île de France with the most famous of them, Versailles. Louis XIII’s hunting pavilion became an architectural masterpiece under Louis XIV. Since its construction, it has always attracted curiosity and lust. It goes without saying that with its gallery of the Glaces, its chapel or apartments, the castle reveals a luxury worthy of the Sun King.

The constellated gardens of bosquets, basins, caves, the hamlet of the Queen and Trianons also participate in the refinement of Versailles.

5. Château de Breteuil

Let’s then go to the Chevreuse Valley to reach Breteuil Castle, one of the castles to visit around Paris. You will meet illustrious figures in the history of France. For, throughout your visit, about 50 wax statues of the Grévin Museum , like Marie-Antoinette, accompany you.

Moreover, Perrault's tales fans will be filled. Cinderella, La Belle au Bois dormant and many others still narrate their adventures through small staging.

6. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Nicolas Fouquet, Superintendent of Finance of Louis XIV, appealed to Le Vau, Le Brun and Le Nôtre to create the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Do you find him an air of Versailles? And for cause, he was an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the realization of Versailles.

Did you know that after a reception at Vaux-le-Vicomte, Nicolas Fouquet was imprisoned? Faced with the ostentatious luxury of the party, Louis XIV ousted the one he now considered as an opponent.

7. Château Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Built in the Middle Ages, the castle experienced important developments in the Renaissance and subsequently became a royal residence.

But from 1682, when Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles, he was gradually abandoned.

It was only under Napoleon III that the castle regained its gallons. It is then renovated to house an archaeology museum, always open to the public. You can walk between the rich collections, and prolong your walk in the gardens designed by Le Nôtre.

8. Château de Rambouillet

On the list of castles to be visited in Île de France, let's add that of Rambouillet. Also ancient royal residence, this castle is today a presidential residence. The centuries have, since the Middle Ages, filled the places. And the following styles are part of the castle's charm, especially in the dungeon, the queen's dairy and the cape to the shells.

In addition, note that the park is classified Remarkable Gardens.

9. Château de la Roche-Guyon

Built in the Middle Ages, this castle was rebuilt in the 18th century. However, some elements, such as the dungeon, are preserved and integrated into the new architecture.

Take your ticket and explore the flooded monument between Seine and cliff. You can admire the lodge, the terraces supported by arcades, the garden... but also the evidence of the presence of the German troops of Rommel during the Second World War.

10. Château de Malmaison

Near the capital, Malmaison is among the castles to visit in Île de France. This small 17th century jewel became the property of Josephine de Beauharnais, wife of Napoleon I, in 1799. Between 1800 and 1802, the government even installed its seat there. Josephine de Beauharnais retired after his divorce in 1809 and until his last breath.

Do not resist any longer and push the doors of this house richly decorated in the Empire style.

11. Château Blandy-les-Tours

A sign of strong castles, that of Blandy-les-Tours does not lack a plump. This medieval ensemble presents its dungeon, ramparts and recently renovated logis. Inside, an exhibition traces the history of the castle for a successful immersion.

Do you feel the soul of a vigorous soldier? Climb to the top of the dungeon to contemplate the view of the countryside.

12. Château de Maisons

If you are looking for castles to visit around Paris, Maisons will delight you. Its classic style opens the voice to the emblematic monuments of French architecture, such as the castles of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles. Designed by François Mansart around 1640, he received many influential personalities between his walls.

Good to know: guided tours invite you to discover the unknown facets of the castle.

13. Château d’Écouen

Anne de Montmorency, close to François I, launched the construction of the castle of Écouen around 1540. This ambitious project takes place in an area of nineteen hectares. One of the oldest castles to visit in Île de France collected the Renaissance collection of the Cluny Museum.

You can thus see the molt tapestries, sculptures, furniture, etc. of Renaissance times. A little jewel!

14. Castle of Nemours

To conclude our list, Nemours has one of the most remarkable castles to visit in Île de France. The building proudly imposes its 12th century silhouette in the heart of the medieval city. True, it marks the urban landscape with its dungeon and massive towers.

Enter to browse the rooms and take a look at permanent and temporary exhibitions around graphic art.

Other castles to visit in Île de France

Have you not yet made the full of castles to visit around Paris? Also explore:

• Ambleville Castle
• Castle of Dourdan
• The castle of Auvers-sur-Oise
• Château de Champs-sur-Marne
• Saint-Jean de Beauregard Castle
• Castle of Thoiry
• The castle of Villarceaux
• Château de Jossigny
• The castle of Courances

So, among the castles to visit in Île de France, which one do you prefer?