Château de Versailles Spectacles 82 rue de Villiers. 78300 Poissy. An exceptional events programme contin- 01 39 65 01 06. Daily, except Mon, 1 May, ues the tradition of sumptuous court festivi- 1 Nov, 11 Nov and from 25 Dec to 1 Jan. May to ties at the time of the Sun King. Throughout Aug: 10am-6pm. Sept to Apr: 10am-5pm. the year, major artists perform on the stage Full rate: €8. www.villa-savoye.fr of the Royal Opera House. In summer, the Musical Fountains Show (during the day or at night with a fireworks display) create a wonderful spectacle in the French-style gar- den — a masterwork designed by Le Nôtre. In May and June, the Versailles Festival includes big firework displays, costumed parties and open-air concerts. Exhibitions of contemporary art are regularly organized in various areas of the estate. 8 Château de Rambouillet Tickets, information and bookings: This former 14th-century manor, reputed 01 30 83 78 89, Mon to Fri 10am-1pm and for its hunting grounds, was acquired 2pm-6pm (closed public holidays). by Louis XVI in 1783. The spirit of Marie- www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr Antoinette may be felt in the Queen’s Dairy 6Château de Maisons and that of her dear friend, the Princesse de Lamballe, in the Shell Cottage. 78120 Rambouillet. 01 34 83 00 25. Daily: 9.50am-12 noon and 1.50pm-5pm (6pm from 1 Apr to 30 Sept), except Tues, 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov, 11 Nov and 25 Dec. Full rate: €9. www.chateau-rambouillet.fr Situated on the edge of the forest of Saint- Germain-en-Laye, this chateau built by François Mansart in the 17th century is a model of classical French architecture. The elegant decor reaches its zenith in the Cab- inet aux Miroirs, where the marquetry floor is inlaid with gold and pewter. It was to be the inspiration for Versailles and Vaux-le- 9 Château de Breteuil Vicomte. The grand staircase (1640) is a This 75-hectare estate features a French- highlight of a visit. The place has also been style garden, a romantic garden and a maze. important for equestrian sports since 1777! In the chateau, wax figures in the various 2 av. Carnot. 78600 Maisons-Laffitte. rooms plunge visitors into the history of 01 39 62 01 49. Daily, except Tues, 1 Jan, France. Especially popular with children are 1 May, 1 Nov, 11 Nov and 25 Dec. 16 May to the reconstructions of eight famous tales 15 Sept: 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-6pm (5pm by Perrault, includingPuss in Boots, Little from 16 Sept to 15 May). Full rate: €8. RedRiding Hoodand Cinderella A real treat!. www.chateau-maisons.fr 78460 Choisel. 01 30 52 05 11. Daily. Chateau: 2.30pm-5.30pm. Park: 10am- 7Villa Savoye 8pm. Full rate: €16.80. Park: €10.70. Baptized ‘The Bright Hours’, this villa is Le Cor- www.breteuil.fr busier’s major work. The design incorporates the five fundamental points of his architec- ture, of which this villa is an example: the pilotis,the rooftop terrace, the horizontal windows, the free plan and the free facade. OUTSIDE PARIS 77