8CHÂTEAU DE RAMBOUILLET This former medieval fortress, famous for its hunting grounds, has undergone many trans- formations over the centuries. Its powerful occupants – including Louis XVI and Napoleon – made it a prestigious holiday residence. In 1896, Rambouillet became a presidential res- idence, where hunting parties and meetings between heads of State took place until 2009. 78120 Rambouillet. 01 34 83 00 25. Daily: 10am-12 noon and 1.30pm-5pm (6pm from 1 Apr to 30 Sept), except Tues, 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov, 11 Nov and 25 Dec. DOMAINE Full rate: €7.50. www.chateau-rambouillet.fr DE CHANTILLY You will need to set aside a half-day, or even a fullday to fully appreciate all the treas- ures of this estate, just 40 kilometres from the capital! Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, and illustrious families count 9CHÂTEAU DE BRETEUIL among its successive owners. But it was This 75-hectare estate features a French- Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale and son of style garden, a romantic garden and a maze. Louis-Philippe, who put a lasting mark on In the chateau, wax figures in the various the place. This great collector chose the rooms plunge visitors into the history of Château de Chantilly, an architectural jewel, France. Especially popular with children are to exhibit the largest collection of old paint- the reconstructions of eight famous tales ings after that of the Louvre. Among these by Perrault, including Puss in Boots, Sleeping masterpieces, which are still presented Beauty and Cinderella. A real treat! in the same way as they were in 1886, are 78460 Choisel. 01 30 52 05 11. Daily. works by Veronese, Raphael, Botticelli, Lippi, Chateau: 11.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-5.30pm. Watteau, Ingres and Poussin. The visit con- Park: 10am-8pm. Chateau, gardens and fairy tinues with the large apartments, then tale scenes/full rate: €17. Gardens and fairy tale the private apartments and ends with the scenes/full rate: €11. www.breteuil.fr exceptional reading room. The 115-hectare park, a fine mix of French-style gardens – 10THOIRY ZOOSAFARI designed by André Le Nôtre – and English- At the wheel of your own car or on board a style gardens, is a pleasant place to stroll. bush truck, you get as close as possible to The Great Stables of the 18th century – animals such as zebras, rhinos and giraffes the largest in Europe – house the Musée for an unforgettable eight-kilometre safari. du Cheval (Equestrian Museum), and also The rest of the place can be discovered on host equestrian shows and presentations foot and there is plenty of excitement: a glass devoted to the art of dressage. tunnel around which lions, tigers and chee- 7 rue du Connétable. 60500 Chantilly. tahs roam, an island, home to primates … 03 44 27 31 80. High season (end March to The chateau and the gardens labelled end Oct): daily, 10am-6pm (8pm for the park), ‘Remarkable Garden’ complete the visit. except Tues. Low season (early Nov to end Château and Parc Zoologique de Thoiry. 78770 March): daily, 10.30am-5pm (6pm for the park), Thoiry. 01 34 87 40 67. Days and opening except Tues. Closed 1 Jan, 25 Dec and from 4 to hours vary according to the time of year. Closed 22 Jan 2021. Estate ticket (chateau, grounds, 24 Dec. Full rate (includes safari by car, the zoo, Great Stables and Musée du Cheval)/full rate: gardens and chateau): €30. www.thoiry.net €17. Grounds ticket/full rate: €8. https://domainedechantilly.com 84| OUTSIDE PARIS