Chateau de Rambouillet

Equidistance from Versailles and Chartres, and set amidst 20,000 hectares of lush woodlands, the grand Chateau de Rambouillet is among the Ile-de-France’s most magnificent residences. Dating back to the 14th-century, the château boasts an esteemed cast of former royal residents, from King Francis I to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and was later used as the summer residence of the French Presidents of the Republic, receiving guests such as General Charles de Gaulle and hosting the first G6 summit.
Today, the Chateau de Rambouillet remains a key presidential residence, and is open to the public, who can enjoy guided tours of the Rococo-style state apartments and castle grounds, including a series of elegant formal gardens and canal ways. Additional highlights include the dazzling Shell Cottage, adorned with gleaming marble, Mother of Pearl and rare seashells, and the Queen Dairy, designed for Marie-Antoinette.

Practical Info

The Chateau de Rambouillet is located in the Ile-de-France region, approximately 60km southwest of Paris, and is open daily except Tuesdays from 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm (6pm from April-Sept). Adult admission at the time of writing is €5.50.