11 CHÂTEAU D’AUVERS 14ABBAYE ROYALE DE ROYAUMONT The village of Auvers-sur-Oise is situated in The largest Cistercian abbey in Île-de-France the countryside to the north of Paris. At the was founded by Saint Louis in 1228. Most of the end of the 19th century, this bucolic setting buildings have been preserved: the peaceful was very popular with Impressionist painters, cloister, the spectacular monks’ building, the such as Cézanne, Pissarro and Van Gogh. The original latrine building, etc. Even the ruins of Château d’Auvers, built in the 17th century, the abbey church, destroyed in 1792, retain offers an immersive visit of the history of the a certain charm. The three gardens and the Impressionist movement. 6.5-hectare park are also worth discovering. Chemin des Berthelées. 95430 Auvers-sur- The tea room by the canal is a pleasant spot, Oise. 01 34 48 48 48. Daily: 10am-6pm, especially on sunny days. except Mon and mid-Dec to mid-Jan. Open 95270 Asnières-sur-Oise. 01 30 35 59 00. Easter and Whit Mon. Full rate: €12. Daily: 10am-5.30pm (6pm from Apr to Oct). www.chateau-auvers.fr Full rate: €10. www.royaumont.com 12CASINO BARRIÈRE – ENGHIEN-LES-BAINS 15MUSÉE NATIONAL DE LA RENAISSANCE – At 14 km from the Champs-Élysées, this is CHÂTEAU D’ÉCOUEN the closest casino to Paris … and the most We owe the construction of the Château frequented in France! The glass building in d’Écouen to the very rich Duke Anne de Mont- a lake-side setting has 43 gaming tables morency, a friend of Kings François I and Henri (roulette, Black Jack, poker … ) and 500 slot II. This fine example of French Renaissance machines, 72 video-pokers and 39 English architecture was inaugurated in 1555, after electronic roulette stations. The casino also only eighteen years of work! Since 1977, it has boasts two restaurants, two bars and an housed the National Renaissance Museum. Italian-style theatre with a varied pro- The collections include a remarkable collec- gramme. Smart dress required. tion of decorative arts, paintings and sculp- 3 av. de Ceinture. 95880 Enghien-les-Bains. tures from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. 01 39 34 13 00. Daily. Mon to Fri: 10am- 95440 Écouen. 01 34 38 38 50. Daily: 4am. Sat, Sun and public holidays: 10am-5am. 9.30am-12.45pm and pm-5.45pm, except2 Admission to the casino is restricted to people Tues, 1 Jan, 1 Mayand 25 Dec. Temporary free over 18 yrs, not banned from playing, on pres- admission. h ttps://musee-renaissance.fr entation of valid ID. www.casinosbarriere.com 16CHÂTEAU DE COMPIÈGNE 13PARC ASTÉRIX After Versailles and Fontainebleau, the Palais de Compiègne is one of the three most important French royal and imperial resi- dences. Although its construction dates back to the end of the 14th century, we owe its current appearance, that of an elegant neo- classical chateau, to Louis XV; the apartments reflect the style of the First Empire (under the reign of Napoleon) and the Second Empire, to which a museum of art and history is dedi- The famous Gauls, Astérix and Obélix, have cated. You can also visit the park, as well as their very own theme park. Come face to the Musée National de la Voiture et du Tour- face with Caesar in Ancient Rome, Cleopatra isme (National Car and Tourism Museum). in Ancient Egypt or Goudurix in the realm Place du Général de Gaulle. 60200 Compiègne. of the Vikings. A memorable family outing 03 44 38 47 00. Apartments of the Emperor with thrills galore, plenty of shows to enjoy, and Empress: daily, except Tues, 1 Jan, 1 May famous characters to meet and restaurants and 25 Dec. March to Oct: 10am-6pm. Nov to and cafes for a tasty treat. Feb: 10am-4pm. Musée du Second Empire and 60128 Plailly. 09 86 86 86 87. Musée National de la Voiture: opening hours Opening days and times and rates vary, variable. Full rate: €7.50/€9.50 (outside/during contact for details. www.parcasterix.fr temporary exhibitions). https://chateaudecompiegne.fr 86| OUTSIDE PARIS