Château du Val, Royal hunting lodge in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.
Château du Val is a classical-style castle located at the northern end of the Grande Terrasse with balanced proportions and refined stone detailing. The building sits within a wooded park of about 4 hectares and now operates as a four-star hotel with approximately 50 rooms.
Jules Hardouin-Mansart built this residence in 1674 for King Louis XIV, replacing a simple hunting lodge with an elegant structure. The building reflects royal ambitions to develop the northern area of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
The estate now functions as a venue for art exhibitions and film screenings that take place throughout the year. This cultural programming reflects how the property has evolved from a royal residence into a space where people gather for artistic experiences.
The grounds are accessible as part of the hotel and offer comfortable areas to explore with pathways through the wooded park. Keep in mind that certain sections may be reserved for hotel guests, so it helps to check beforehand which areas are open to visitors.
The grounds contain a preserved 19th-century dairy facility that shows how daily operations were managed on royal estates. Former stables have also been converted into children's entertainment areas, creating a playful contrast with the formal architecture.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
