Among the many good ideas in and around Paris, the freemuseums and monuments on the first Sunday of the month is one of those events that we tend to forget about, but which gives us access to culture and our superb heritage without paying a cent. It's THE perfect opportunity to discover not only historic sites, but also temporary exhibitions full of new discoveries.
If, like us, your passion is heritage, discover the 11 châteaux that are opening their doors to you for free this Sunday, December 1, 2024. From the best-known châteaux to hidden monuments in small towns across the Paris region, sites steeped in history are at your fingertips. So, whether you're a couple or a family, come and (re)discover these witnesses to French history, taking you back in time from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
For your pleasure, your culture and that of your children, we're off to enjoy these sublime châteaux in the Île-de-France region. Accessible by public transport for some, and by car for others, they're the perfect way to get away from it all and enjoy the region's treasures, while taking a leisurely stroll.
Château de Fontainebleau, the second home of the Kings of France
The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, high up in the Yvelines, was one of the royal residences of François I. Today, it houses the national archaeology museum. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, with over 29,000 objects on display! [Read more]
Château de Compiègne: a Royal and Imperial heritage within easy reach
The Château de Compiègne, built on the initiative of Louis XV and Louis XVI, then refurbished under Napoleon I and Napoleon III, is a living page in French history. Located in the town of Compiègne, 80 kilometers from Paris, this architectural gem is one of France's most important royal and imperial residences, alongside Versailles and Fontainebleau. [Read more]
Discover the Château d'Écouen, a Renaissance jewel and national museum
Explore the Château d'Écouen, home to the National Renaissance Museum, located 20 km from Paris. Immerse yourself in the history of this exceptional site and admire its unique collections. [Read more]
The Château de Malmaison, from residence to museum
The Château de Malmaison, located in Rueil-Malmaison in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, is now home to the Napoleonic National Museum. During the French Revolution, Josephine Bonaparte acquired the property and it became the Palais Impérial de Malmaison, transforming it into the seat of government for a time. [Read more]
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [Read more]
The Château de Rambouillet and its Bergerie nationale, an exceptional estate in the Paris region (78)
A princely, royal, imperial and then presidential residence, the Château de Rambouillet and its grounds are steeped in history and boast some remarkable nooks and crannies, including the Queen's Dairy, the Chaumière aux coquillages and the Bergerie nationale, not to be missed. [Read more]
The Château de Champs-sur-Marne, a magnificent Renaissance-style building with an 85-hectare garden
In the Seine-et-Marne département, the Château de Champs-sur-Marne is less well known than Vaux-le-Vicomte or Fontainebleau. A testament to its rich history, Champs-sur-Marne is best known for its vast 85-hectare wooded park, which is open all year round! [Read more]
Château de Pierrefonds, the medieval castle reinvented under Napoleon III
In the heart of the Oise region, the Château de Pierrefonds, 80 km from Paris, stands like an open history book on the pages of the Middle Ages, rewritten by the imagination of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc under Napoleon III. This monument, a blend of medieval past and architectural fantasy, offers an immersive experience through its majestic halls, impressive towers and mysterious crypts. We take you on a journey of discovery... [Read more]
The Château de Maisons-Laffitte, a pleasure home with a royal air, in the Yvelines department
In Maisons-Laffitte, in the Yvelines département, the town's château has all the hallmarks of a chateau, yet it was once a "simple" pleasure house! Less than an hour from Paris, it's a beautiful place to discover with family, friends or on your own. [Read more]
Château de Vincennes: a royal fortress in Paris
Along with the Louvre, the Château de Vincennes is one of the most important castles in French history. It is also one of the largest and best-preserved fortified castles in Europe... [Read more]
How about a free castle this Sunday?
And for other free tours:
Free museums and monuments: places to visit this Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Paris
Which free museum to visit in Paris this 1st Sunday of the month, Sunday December 1, 2024? We're delighted to return to our little ritual at the start of the month: discover a museum or monument for free! [Read more]
Looking for a free museum in Paris? Musée des Beaux-Arts, Musée d'Art Moderne, Musée de l'Aviation, Musée des Arts Asiatiques, more than 20 museums are free all year round, and we've got some great ideas for getting out and learning something new. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On December 1, 2024
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Free museums and monuments: places to visit this Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Paris
Free Museums and Monuments to visit in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, good ideas for outings
