The Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise offers a wealth of treasures to discover. In the heart of the village ofAuvers-sur-Oise, the Château d'Auvers, now owned by the Val d'Oise departmental council, is a unique place that combines heritage and Impressionist discoveries in a preserved landscape. From a 17th- and 18th-century château to a modern, innovative tour, it's a discovery rich in surprises.
Built in 1635 for Zanobi Lioni, an influential Italian financier at the court of Marie de Médicis, this monument illustrates the magnificence of Italian Renaissance villas. Its architecture is complemented by a shell-mosaic nymphaeum, inspired by Antiquity, which today represents one of the last of its kind in France.
Over the centuries, the Château d'Auvers has seen a number of owners, each leaving their mark, transforming the building and its grounds into a place steeped in history. In 1987, the Château was acquired by the Département du Val d'Oise, and since 1997, it has been listed on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments.
With its Italian inspiration, the estate is laid out in horizontal terraces that open up wide views over the Oise valley. This landscape setting is all the more remarkable for its play on perspective and viewpoints, characteristics dear to the Impressionists who found it an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Indeed, it inspired many Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters: Daubigny, Pissarro, Cézanne, Van Gogh...
Among the château's treasures, the nymphaeum stands out in particular. Located in the north orangery, this space dedicated to nymphs is adorned with shells, stones and pieces of glass, creating a place both mystical and fascinating. Its exceptional conservation makes it a rare and precious 17th-century piece, illustrating the delicacy and refinement of the period.
The mural frescoes, discovered on the walls of a former salon, add a further layer to the château's artistic wealth. Dating from the late 17th century, these works have been carefully restored, revealing battle scenes and landscapes painted in trompe-l'œil, demonstrating a remarkable mastery of this artistic technique.
The estate also includes 2 seventeenth-century orangeries, restored in the 1990s, which reinforce the link between architecture and nature. The southern orangery, in particular, has the unique feature of being built on a stone bridge, creating a unique harmony between the building and the landscape.
In short, the Château d'Auvers is an exceptional place where history, art and nature come together to offer a rich and diverse cultural experience. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast or looking for fun activities for the kids, it's the ideal setting for making wonderful discoveries. And don't forget that visits to the park and gardens are free, so why not take a stroll?
Van Gogh, the last journeys: the exhibition at Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise - Extensions
Auvers-sur-Oise, the birthplace of Impressionism in the Île-de-France region, was home to the painter Vincent Van Gogh during the last years of his life. The château is extending its event exhibition, focusing on his last journeys, until November 2025. [Read more]
In the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, a walk in Auvers-sur-Oise
Vincent Van Gogh spent the last days of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, a few kilometers from Paris. This beautiful town is the perfect place for a stroll in the footsteps of one of the world's most famous painters. Van Gogh, like the city of Auvers, have not finished revealing all their secrets... [Read more]
Prices
enfants: €7 - €9.5
Adulte: €14
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.chateau-auvers.fr
More information
Exhibition Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays, 10am to 5pm Park and garden free of charge Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 7pm from April to October and 9am to 6:30pm from November to March.
