Château de Chamarande

Château de Chamarande is a rectangular castle structure built in the 17th century, surrounded by a moat with pavilions at its entrance and service wings flanking the main living quarters. The entire estate covers 98 hectares and includes public parks, with portions serving as archival storage and educational facilities.

The original castle dates to 811, founded by Arteld, brother of Charlemagne's biographer. The present structure was erected in 1654, replacing the medieval predecessor.

The castle now houses a contemporary art center that organizes exhibitions and festivals throughout the year. This artistic use brings the historical building to life and draws visitors who want to experience modern art within a classical setting.

The gardens and parks are open to the public without charge, though special guided tours and indoor exhibitions may require advance planning. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable since exploring the extensive grounds takes considerable time.

The water features and gardens are traditionally attributed to landscape designer Hubert Robert, with later modifications by Nicolas de l'Espine. This connection to renowned 18th-century garden artists adds a special historical layer to the grounds.

Location: Chamarande

Architectural style: Louis XIII style

Operator: CG91

Website: http://chamarande.essonne.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.51278,2.22083

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47