The Domaine de Chamarande, Essonne's largest public garden, for a day in the fresh air

In the Essonne department, the Domaine de Chamarande is easily recognized by its large château proudly displaying a coral-colored facade. Once occupied by the great lords Jean Cocatric, Louis Dauphin de France, Gaucher de Châtillon and Jean and François Hurault in the Middle Ages, the estate passed from hand to hand until the 20th century. It wasn't until 1977 that the Prefect of Essonne asked for the Château de Chamarande to be listed as a historic monument.

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After decades of neglect, the château underwent major renovations in 1983 and finally opened to the public in 2001. It is here that the departmental archives are housed, while the château boasts an immense landscaped park covering 98 hectares, making the Domaine de Chamarande the largest public garden in the Essonne department. Awarded the " Jardin remarquable" label in 2005, the estate boasts some remarkable trees, including a purple beech and a Judas tree.

Take a stroll around the island, where you can also rent a boat and spend half an hour exploring the park's bucolic marshes. A landscaped game of goose is also nestled within the estate, as is a large forest, ideal for cycling or walking. An information point is open during château opening hours, and picnic tables are available for self-service. For the little ones, Chamaland is an open-air playground with a giant spider's web.

The Domaine is open every day of the year, with opening times varying according to the month. It only closes during the RTL 2 Essonne en Seine music festival. Admission is free and open to all: are you planning to spend your Sunday outdoors next weekend?