Château de Versailles Spectacles 82 rue de Villiers. 78300 Poissy. In 1770, the construction of the Opéra Royal 01 39 65 01 06. Daily, except Mon, 1 May, de Versailles marked the beginning of a 1 Nov, 11 Nov and from 25 Dec to 1 Jan. May to period of lavish parties and grandiose shows. Aug: 10am-6pm. Sept to Apr: 10am-5pm. Versailles Spectacles continues this tradi- Full rate: €8. www.villa-savoye.fr tion by offering an exceptional programme of events throughout the year. The Musical Fountains Show and Musical Gardens bring to life the marvellous French-style garden created by Le Nôtre. Great artists perform at the Royal Opera House. And every year, contemporary art exhibitions are held in the various spaces of the Versailles estate. Tickets, information and bookings: 01 30 83 78 89, Mon to Fri 10am-6pm (closed 8 Château de Rambouillet 24 Dec to 1 Jan incl.). This former 14th-century manor, reputed www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr for its hunting grounds, was acquired by 6Château de Maisons Louis XVI in 1783. Today, the chateau is one Situated on the edge of the forest of Saint- of the residences of the French president Germain-en-Laye, this chateau built by and is used to host foreign heads of state. François Mansart in the 17th century is a The spirit of Marie-Antoinette may be felt model of classical French architecture. The in the Queen’s Dairy and that of her dear elegant decor reaches its zenith in the Cab- friend, the Princesse de Lamballe, in the inet aux Miroirs, where the marquetry floor Shell Cottage. is inlaid with gold and pewter. It was to be 78120 Rambouillet. 01 34 83 00 25. the inspiration for Versailles and Vaux-le- Daily: 9.50am-12 noon and 1.50pm-5pm Vicomte. The grand staircase (1640) is a (6pm from 1 Apr to 30 Sept), except Tues, highlight of a visit. The place has also been 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov, 11 Nov and 25 Dec. important for equestrian sports since 1777! Full rate: €9. www.chateau-rambouillet.fr 2 av. Carnot. 78600 Maisons-Laffitte. 01 39 62 01 49. Daily, except Tues, 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov, 11 Nov and 25 Dec. 16 May to 15 Sept: 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-6pm (5pm from 16 Sept to 15 May). Full rate: €8. www.chateau-maisons.fr 9 Château de Breteuil This 75-hectare estate features a French- style garden, a romantic garden and a maze. In the chateau, wax figures in the various rooms plunge visitors into the history of France. Especially popular with children are 7Villa Savoye the reconstructions of seven famous tales Baptized ‘The Bright Hours’, this villa is Le by Perrault, includingPuss in Boots, Little Corbusier’s major work. The design incor- RedRiding Hoodand Cinderella A real treat!. porates the five fundamental points of his 78460 Choisel. 01 30 52 05 11. architecture, of which this villa is an exam- Daily. Chateau: 2.30pm-5.30pm. Park: 10am- ple: the pilotis, the rooftop terrace, the hori- 8pm. Full rate: €16.60. Park: €10.50. zontal windows, the free plan and the free www.breteuil.fr facade. OUTSIDE PARIS 77