Planning your trip to Europe, and your first stop is Paris. Excellent choice! Paris is indeed one of the most visited cities in the world, but there is so much more to see. For example, forests and unique historical sites. One of the most significant examples is France’s best castles, which undoubtedly reflect the historical importance and richness of the region. This is our list of the Top 5 Castles to visit near Paris that you shouldn’t miss.
Quick fact: Île-de-France is a region in Northern France that surrounds the nation’s capital, Paris. It is the most populated territory of France, having more residents than the European countries of Belgium, Greece, or Sweden and about as many inhabitants as the U.S. state of Ohio.
Top 5 Castles Near Paris: #1 Château de Versailles
Business Hours: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Available Days: Tuesdays to Sundays
Closed on: Mondays
Ticket Prices: Click here to see the packages you can choose from.
- Free for guests under 18 (or under 26 residing in the EU)
How to get there: The most straightforward option is the RER (Line C) train, which departs from Metro stations in the centre of Paris and arrives at the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station is the nearest train station in Versailles to the Château de Versailles. The train ride takes around an hour.
The Palace of Versailles symbolizes the glory days of the Kingdom of France; that’s why it is indeed one of the most famous French palaces. Hence, it is top 1 on our list of the best castles to visit near Paris.
Constructed during the 17th century, it was the residence of the French kings until the French Revolution. The castle has 800 hectares of forest and gardens and was developed by the famous royal gardener André Le Nôtre.
With its grand canal and its stunning fountains, the park stands out. So, if you are touring Versailles in the summer, wait for the fountain’s night show. Read our take on how to spend The Ultimate Day Trip to Versailles for more.
Top 5 Castles Near Paris: #2 Château de Fontainebleau
Business Hours:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (April to September)
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (October to March)
Available Days: Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays
Closed on: Tuesdays
Ticket Prices: Click here to see the packages you can choose from.
How to get there: Take the train from Paris Gare de Lyon (main lines) towards Montargis, Montereau, or Laroche-Migennes, and get off at the Fontainebleau-Avon station.
A Day Trip to Château de Fontainebleau is an excellent addition to your itinerary. One of the most loved castles in Île-de-France, marked by centuries of rolling densities.
From the Capetian dynasty to Napoléon Bonaparte, every roller has left its mark on the castle, giving tourists a feel of what it was like to be the king.
With its breathtaking gardens, chapels, and museums, Château de Fontainebleau is a must-see in France. It’s also less crowded than the Versailles, making it even more interesting to visit.
Top 5 Castles Near Paris: #3 Château de Chantilly
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Available Days: Mondays, Wednesdays – Sundays
Closed on: Tuesdays
Ticket Prices: Click here to see the packages you can choose from.
How to get there: By train from Paris: train from the Gare du Nord, get off at the “Chantilly-Gouvieux” stop (about 30 minutes by train). The domain is then about a 20-minute walk or 5 minutes by bus or cab.
Château de Chantilly is a stunning castle that looks like it’s taken out of a storybook. With its immense landscaped gardens surrounding an artificial lake, its pale-yellow sandstone mansion, and the overall historical feel it gives its visitors—it’s undoubtedly a must-visit!
The castle consists of two bordering buildings. The Petit Château is the original from the 16th century, while the 19th-century Grande Château or Château Neuf replaced the original castle destroyed during the French Revolution.
This castle is great for every museum lover as it is home to the second biggest French collection of ancient paintings after the Louvre. It has so much to offer that we can’t miss putting it on our Top 5 Castles to Visit near Paris. Fans of horse riding will also appreciate it, as it has the most extensive stables in the world. Check out our 7 Reasons to Visit Château de Chantilly in France.
Top 5 Castles Near Paris: #4 Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:30 AM
Available Days: Everyday
Ticket Prices: Click here to see the packages you can choose from.
How to get there: From the Gare de l’Est, take the P train to the Verneuil-l’Étang station (on the departure board, select a train in the Provins direction). One train every hour, the journey takes 35 minutes. Then take a Châteaubus shuttle (in front of the SNCF station exit).
This castle inspired King Louis XIV to build the famous Château de Versailles. The palace is almost 500 hectares and is a prominent example of a “French formal garden” based on symmetry and the principle of setting imposing on nature. This castle is also home to the carriage museum.
Vaux-le-Vicomte is also the largest private estate listed as a historical monument in France. It’s fantastic to have a family day here and enjoy the treasure hunt and wooden games available in the garden.
This castle also offers a unique romantic evening for you and your partner as it is the first to offer evening visits lit by candles. Every Saturday evening from June to October, two thousand candles light up the Château and the gardens, enhancing a moment worth remembering.
Top 5 Castles Near Paris: #5 Château de Courances
Business Hours: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Available Days: Weekends only
Closed on: Weekdays
Ticket Prices: Click here to see the packages you can choose from.
How to get there: The Château de Courances is not directly accessible by public transport. The closest stations are Boutigny by RER D (14km) and Fontainebleau by Line R (22km). You will need to pre-book a taxi to Courances from either station.
Rounding up our Top 5 castles to visit near Paris is Château de Courances. It is described as “one of the loveliest gardens in France”.
This castle is well-known for its Renaissance water garden, which covers 75 hectares. There are seventeen water features, including a mirror pond that reflects the Château de Courances itself. You can also find exotic plants in the gardens. When you go inside, you’ll see a lot of antique furniture and intricate tapestries.
Expect to spend at least an hour or two for you to be able to see all of the lakes and avenues. And don’t forget to enjoy a cup of tea beside the marvellous Japanese garden.
Final Thoughts
France is indeed a beautiful country to visit.
France is the world’s most visited country as well, with over 90 million visitors in 2019. Who wouldn’t want to see the famous Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame? In addition, who wouldn’t want to experience their tasty croissants and the excellent wine they make?
But rather than just eyeing the capital city, there are other great experiences this country can give you, including the breathtaking castles near Paris!
Whether you’re a history buff or want to go out of the city, these castles might be precisely what you are looking for!
So, if you have Paris on your bucket list now, you must include these castles in Île-de-France, as they will undoubtedly give you a worthwhile journey.
