The most beautiful castles to visit around Paris, in Ile de France

In Yvelines (78), Haut-de-Seine (92), Val-de-Marne (95), Seine-et-Marne (77)…

Want to escape from Paris and go for the day in Ile-de-France ? Discover 10 castles to visit with the family less than 100 km from Paris. Most of these castles are free for those under 18. If the weather is good, think of a picnic ! All of these castles have beautiful parks and gardens with picnic areas.

Castles to visit in the 78

All year round

In the Yvelines (78)

Fun activities and outings in Versailles

All audiences

Closed on Mondays

In the Yvelines (78)

The Palace of Versailles and its gardens

All audiences

The Estate of Trianon

If Versailles was told to me (private tour)

The castle of Rambouillet

The castle of Breteuil

Castles to visit in the 92

The castle of Malmaison and Bois-Préau

Castles to visit in the 77

Until September 27, 2025

At the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte (77)

Candlelight evenings

For the whole family

The castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte

The castle of Champs-sur-Marne

The Château de Fontainebleau

Castles to visit in the 60

The Château de Chantilly

The castle of Pierrefonds

The most beautiful museums to visit with the family

Jusqu’au 31 août 2025

Au musée Rodin (Paris 7e)

The Sculpture Workshop of the Musée Rodin – Move, play, create

Pour les 3 à 13 ans

Du 6 juillet 2025 au 30 août 2025

Au musée du Quai Branly

Summer garden at the Quai Branly Museum

Gratuit

Du mardi au dimanche

Pont de l’Alma (Paris 7ème)

The Sewer Museum

Dès 7-8 ans 1h

7 days a week

Bercy (Paris 12th)

Science Experiences at Bercy Village

From 5 years old Promo : 5%

5 April – 3 May – 14 June

At the Grévin Museum (9th)

Night at the Museum: a unique visit to the Grévin Museum

All audiences 1h30

See all the museums to visit with the family

Exhibitions to see right now in Paris

De retour (jusqu’au 30 août 2025)

A l’Atelier des Lumières (Paris 11)

Van Gogh, at the Atelier des Lumières

Tout public 50mn

Jusqu’au 31 août

Dinos Alive, the life-size exhibition

Tout public 1h15

Jusqu’au 4 janvier 2026

Musée en Herbe

Digital Abysses, in the heart of the ocean

Dès 3 ans 1h

Until November 30, 2025

Evolution Gallery

Deserts

Ideal from years 1h30

From April 10 to October 5, 2025

Paris Expo / Porte de Versailles

Disney100: The Exhibition

For everyone 1h15

See all the museums to visit with the family

Questions

What are the most beautiful castles to visit with your family in Île-de-France?

Among the most beautiful castles, we can mention the majestic Palace of Versailles with its Grand Apartments and its French gardens where it is pleasant to stroll with the family. The Château de Fontainebleau, rich in history and with beautiful gardens and a forest suitable for walks, is also a must-see. Finally, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which inspired Versailles, offers a fascinating visit and events like candlelight evenings that can appeal to the whole family.

Which castles around Paris are particularly suitable for a family day out with children of all ages?

Castles that offer interactive tours, game booklets for children, or large outdoor spaces where they can let off steam are particularly suitable. Some also host special events for families during school holidays or weekends, such as chivalry shows or historical re-enactments.

Where are these castles located and how to get there from Paris by car or public transport?

The location of these castles is varied, spread over the different departments of Île-de-France (Yvelines, Seine-et-Marne, etc.). To get there by car, you usually have to take the motorways and follow the signs. By public transport, trains (SNCF) or RER trains serve most of these destinations, but it may sometimes be necessary to take a complementary bus. It is advisable to check the precise route for each castle using navigation apps or public transport websites.

Which castles in Île-de-France offer free admission to children and up to what age?

Most national castles, such as Versailles, Fontainebleau and Saint-Germain-en-Laye, offer free entry to young people under the age of 18 residing in the European Union and non-residents under the age of 26. It is always best to check the specific conditions of each castle on their official website, as some rules may vary.

Can you picnic in the parks and gardens of these castles and are there any landscaped areas?

Yes, most of these castles have large and beautiful parks and gardens where picnics are allowed. Often, specific picnic areas with tables and benches are set up to accommodate families. It’s a great way to enjoy the setting and take a break during the tour.

Are there any specific activities or entertainment for children in these castles?

Many castles offer activities specially designed for children, such as age-appropriate guided tours, game booklets to discover the castle in a fun way, creative workshops, puppet shows or historical re-enactments that can capture their imagination. It is interesting to consult the program of each castle before the visit.

Are the gardens of these castles worth a visit for a family walk?

Absolutely! The gardens of these castles are often as impressive as the buildings themselves. They offer ample spaces to walk, run, play and admire the fountains, statues and landscapes. It is an essential part of the experience of visiting a castle with the family.

Castles to visit in the 78

In the Yvelines (78)

Fun activities and outings in Versailles

In the Yvelines (78)

The Palace of Versailles and its gardens

The Estate of Trianon

If Versailles was told to me (private tour)

The castle of Rambouillet

The castle of Breteuil

Castles to visit in the 92

The castle of Malmaison and Bois-Préau

Castles to visit in the 77

At the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte (77)

Candlelight evenings

The castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte

The castle of Champs-sur-Marne

The Château de Fontainebleau

Castles to visit in the 60

The Château de Chantilly

The castle of Pierrefonds

The most beautiful museums to visit with the family

Au musée Rodin (Paris 7e)

The Sculpture Workshop of the Musée Rodin – Move, play, create

Au musée du Quai Branly

Summer garden at the Quai Branly Museum

Pont de l’Alma (Paris 7ème)

The Sewer Museum

Bercy (Paris 12th)

Science Experiences at Bercy Village

At the Grévin Museum (9th)

Night at the Museum: a unique visit to the Grévin Museum

Exhibitions to see right now in Paris

A l’Atelier des Lumières (Paris 11)

Van Gogh, at the Atelier des Lumières

Dinos Alive, the life-size exhibition

Musée en Herbe

Digital Abysses, in the heart of the ocean

Evolution Gallery

Deserts

Paris Expo / Porte de Versailles

Disney100: The Exhibition

Questions

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