Choose from 812 Fun Things to Do in Cayman Islands
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Chapelle Expiatoire
With its somber neoclassical façade framed by rows of white rose bushes and capped with a striking green dome, the Chapelle Expiatoire has a timeless elegance befitting its origins. The little-visited landmark is one of Paris’ most significant chapels – built in 1826 to mark the location of the former Madeleine Cemetery, where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were originally buried after their untimely executions during the French Revolution.
The iconic royals are now buried at the Saint Denis Basilica, but the chapel stands as a poignant reminder of the victims of the French Revolution, commissioned by King Louis XVIII to honor his brother and sister-in-law. The work of architect Pierre-Léonard Fontaine, the Chapelle Expiatoire is renowned for its unique architecture and elaborate interiors, which include white marble sculptures of the King and Queen, and an exquisite altar that marks the exact site of Louis XVI’s burial.
Practical Info
Chapelle Expiatoire is located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement and is open from Thurs-Sat from 11am to 6pm (7pm in July and August). Adult admission is €5.50 at the time of writing.
Address: 29 Rue Pasquier, Paris, France
Hours: Open from Thurs-Sat from 11am to 6pm (7pm in July and August)
Admission: Adults: €5.50
From $ 61
Château de Chantilly
France’s splendid Château de Chantilly castle is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Paris. Rebuilt after the French Revolution, the palace that stands today dates to the 19th century and is renowned for its opulence. It is also home to the Musée Condé: considered one of the country's most important art collections.
The Basics
Construction began on the original Château de Chantilly in 1528, but the castle was largely destroyed in 1799 during the French Revolution. The grand castle that stands today—commissioned by the Duke of Aumale, son of the last king of France—was redesigned by architect Honoré Baumet, and construction took place from 1875 to 1885. The château is renowned for its extravagant Renaissance style and for the Musée Condé, which includes works by Botticelli, Raphael, Delacroix, and Ingres. In 2013, the Musée du Cheval (Horse Museum) was installed in the palace’s Grand Stables, and equestrian shows are held on the grounds throughout the year.
The Château de Chantilly is included in the Paris Pass, and numerous tour options from Paris are available. Private tours provide a hassle-free way to explore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A number of admission options are available, including tickets to the entire complex; tickets to the grounds; or tickets to the Great Stables, Musée du Cheval, and an equestrian show.
- The château’s ground floor is accessible to visitors with mobility issues.
- There are several restaurants and a hotel on-site.
How to Get There
The Château de Chantilly is located within day trip distance from Paris. Take the RER D or select SNCF trains to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station. The castle can also be reached by car: Take the A3 or A1 motorway from Paris and look for the Chantilly exit. Paid parking is provided on-site.
When to Get There
The Château de Chantilly has two open seasons. During low season—late October to late March—it is open every day but Tuesday, 10:30am to 5pm. During high season—late March to early October—it is open daily from 10am to 6pm. The château is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and for several weeks in mid-January.
The Palace Grounds
Set on a sweeping stretch of land and ringed by artificial lakes, the Château de Chantilly is celebrated for the beauty of its surroundings. The formal garden was designed in part by André Le Nôtre, who helped create the gardens at Versailles. Another highlight is the Hameau de Chantilly, a folly comprising several rustic cottages that inspired Marie Antoinette’s Hameau de la Reine at Versailles.
Address: France
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Chek Jawa
Located on the southeastern tip of Pulau Ubin is Chek Jawa, a coral reef that has evolved into a wetlands area. As six different habitats meet in this one area, Chek Jawa is unique in its diversity of ecosystems and is a popular destination to explore on Pulau Ubin. The best way to reach the area is by bicycle (you can walk, but it takes at least 40 minutes); rent one when you disembark from the bumboat and get ready for a scenic and sometimes challenging ride. However, reaching Chek Jawa is worth the effort.
Featuring both sandy and rocky beaches, mangrove forests and sea grass lagoons, Chek Jawa is rich with wildlife, a wide range of which can be observed from the boardwalk that runs through the area. Other options for observation include the seven-story high viewing tower where you can rise into the forest’s canopy to see the islands birdlife. Ask about one of the specially scheduled shore walks from the park service for access to the waterline. The visitor’s center near the entrance of Chek Jawa is also a great source for more information on the area’s wildlife and history.
Practical Info
Once you reach Ubin Jetty, you can hire a van to get to Chek Jawa for $2 SGD per person for up to 12 people, one-way; the van will drop you off a short distance from Chek Jawa and you’ll have to walk the rest of the way. Or, rent a bicycle and cycle your way to Chek Jawa. Prices for bicycle rental range from $8-$10 SGD, though they may be higher on holidays. Chek Jawa is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Pulau Ubin, Singapore
From $ 64
Cherry Tree Hill
As you take an island tour of Barbados, make sure to stop at Cherry Tree Hill, an 850-foot tall overlook on the grounds of St. Nicholas Abbey. Here you can enjoy an expansive view of the island’s Scotland District and the wild, windswept eastern shore of the island. The road up the hill is said to have been literally lined with cherry trees, however today it’s long been replanted with towering groves of mahogany. The hill is a popular stop among guided tours, so if you’ve planned to take one on your trip, you’ll likely end up here. However, you can also make the drive yourself—it’s only about 30 minutes from Bridgetown.
Practical Info
Cherry Tree Hill is officially part of the St. Nicholas Abbey estate, but it sits just outside the main gate, so you can drive there on your own, and stop there for free, while visiting the abbey itself does cost a fee.
Address: St Peter 26007, Barbados
From $ 90
Changi Beach
At approximately two miles (3.3 km) long, Changi Beach is a gorgeous stretch of beach that is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. It’s one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore and has managed to retain a laid-back feel that is refreshing in the hustle and bustle of this very modern city. From the beach you can see Palau Ubin, one of the few undeveloped places left in the country.
From barbecuing on the beach to jogging or cycling on the wide recreation path, this stretch of white sand is a popular place to gather on the weekends to catch up with friends or simply enjoy the sunrise or the sunset. Along with the recreational activities, Changi Beach is also a location of interest for wildlife lovers. Several types of seahorses and pipefish are monitored in the waters off of Changi Beach and many different species of birds have been spotted from the land. Of course, there are also the mechanical birds that are easily spotted: Changi International Airport is not far from the beach and airplane spotting is another popular activity on the beach.
In the midst of the sun and sand on Changi Beach, though, there is a darker history. During World War II the Japanese invaded Singapore and Changi Beach was the location for the execution of POWs. Some visitors report hearing cries, screams and other unsettling occurrences, making Changi Beach one of most haunted places in Asia. However, most people visit this serene stretch of sand without any knowledge of its dark past.
Practical Info
You can reach Changi Beach by taking the MRT to the SAF Ferry Terminal. From there it's a 20-minute walk along the beach to Carpark 7 at the Changi Ferry Terminal. Or, Changi Beach is also served by SBS Transit bus services at several bus stops along its length. Alternately, take the bus to Changi Village and it’s a five minutes of walk across the pedestrian footbridge to the park.
Address: Nicoll Dr, 498991, Singapore
From $ 44
Changi Memorial and Chapel
Having moved from the prison site to its new location directly across the Changi Gaol in 2001, the Changi Memorial and Chapel is a testament to those prisoners of war who were made to suffer and perish during World War II.
In the memorial, several artifacts from the period show how Singaporeans, particularly those prisoners being held in the Changi prison, had suffered under Japanese occupation during the war. Boasting tons of personal affects including emotional letters, drawings and photographs, the memorial tells the stories of more than 50,000 people who had been there between 1942 and 1945.
Entrance is free or for a nominal fee, visitors can elect to embark on a one hour guided tour of the complex that goes through paintings made years later by several internees who recreated what life as a POW was like inside the prison. Visitors can also purchase an audio tour or stop over to watch one of a few informative videos with footage from the era.
In the corner of the memorial, there is a neat collection of rare books which deal exclusively with what Singapore was like during wartime.
Located on Upper Changi Road North, the memorial and chapel are open daily from 9:30am with last admission at 5pm. They can easily be reached by hopping on the SBS bus #2 from Tanah Merah MRT station (EW4), which stops directly in front of the Changi Chapel and Museum.
In the memorial, several artifacts from the period show how Singaporeans, particularly those prisoners being held in the Changi prison, had suffered under Japanese occupation during the war. Boasting tons of personal affects including emotional letters, drawings and photographs, the memorial tells the stories of more than 50,000 people who had been there between 1942 and 1945.
Entrance is free or for a nominal fee, visitors can elect to embark on a one hour guided tour of the complex that goes through paintings made years later by several internees who recreated what life as a POW was like inside the prison. Visitors can also purchase an audio tour or stop over to watch one of a few informative videos with footage from the era.
In the corner of the memorial, there is a neat collection of rare books which deal exclusively with what Singapore was like during wartime.
Located on Upper Changi Road North, the memorial and chapel are open daily from 9:30am with last admission at 5pm. They can easily be reached by hopping on the SBS bus #2 from Tanah Merah MRT station (EW4), which stops directly in front of the Changi Chapel and Museum.
Address: 1000 Upper Changi Road North, 507707, Singapore
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-5pm
From $ 44
Chateau de Langeais
Château de Langeais is one of the Loire Valley's most interactive castles. Far from being just a remnant of the past, the interior features faithful recreations of not only the furniture and art that were once found in the rooms, but also period-correct lighting, mannequins in period dress and guided tours that bring the past to life before visitors' eyes.
In addition, the grounds include an accessible treehouse, a promenade with an observation deck, activities for kids and a nightly show that leads guests through the rooms and unlocks the “secrets” of the past. And those arriving early or leaving late can see the only remaining manual drawbridge in France open and close the grounds! Traveling families should add Château de Langeais to any Loire itinerary.
Practical Info
The Château de Langeais is reachable by foot from the Langeais train station; the trip is 2.5 hours from Paris and less than 30 minutes from Tours. The castle and grounds are open every day of the year; Christmas Day hours are 2 to 5 p.m., while the rest of the year opening and closing times vary by tourism season, with July and August hours maxing out at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A full adult ticket is 9 euro, with reduced fares for kids and combined tickets for the castle and a show. Note that if your name is Anne, the show is free!
Address: Place Pierre de Brosse, Langeais 37130, France
Hours: February-March 9:30 a.m.-5:30; April-June & September-November until 6:30 p.m. July-August 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; November 12-January 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults €9, Youth €7.50, Children 10-17 €5
From $ 196
Chamarel Waterfall
Mauritius is a country rich with pristine beaches, diverse cultures and colonial charm, and if that isn't enough, it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world. Chamarel Waterfall, located in the southwest reaches of the island, is the nation’s highest waterfall. Its thundering waters plunge some 300 feet (100 meters) into crystal clear pools, and travelers say a trip to the top of this scenic spot proves one of the best photo opportunities in the country. Visitors can hire a car to navigate the lush landscape that surrounds the falls. It’s then a relatively easy walk to the top—complete with stairs—where travelers can see for themselves what Mark Twain once called “paradise.”
Practical Info
The falls are spectacular any time of year, but travelers looking to catch Chamarel at its best should visit between December and April, when heavy rains cause water levels to rise.
Address: Mauritius
From $ 75
Château de Fontainebleau
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s largest châteaux, the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau boasts a rich resume of royal inhabitants, including Henry IV, Louis XV, and Napoleon. Built in the 12th century, the palace displays a remarkable variety of architectural styles, all set within 130 hectares (321 acres) of parks and gardens.
The Basics
Visitors can discover the Château de Fontainebleau on a guided tour or take a self-guided tour of the Grands Appartements accompanied by an audio guide. Most Fontainebleau tours run from Paris. Although it’s possible to take in the highlights on a half-day tour, a full-day tour will give you free time to explore the vast parklands. In summer, popular activities include Segway tours, horse-drawn carriage rides around the palace grounds, or boat cruises around the lake. You can also soar overhead in a hot-air balloon.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan at least two hours to visit the castle and gardens.
- Visitor facilities include cloakrooms, lockers, and restrooms.
- The palace is wheelchair accessible, and lifts are available for entrance to the Grand Apartments.
How to Get There
The Château de Fontainebleau is located at the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest, 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of central Paris—about an hour-long drive. From Paris, trains run from Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon station, from where the Ligne 1 local bus takes you right to the château entrance in about 10 minutes. Coaches also run from Paris to Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte, another nearby castle.
When to Get There
Fontainebleau is open daily (except Tuesdays) year round. The most popular time to visit is in summer, when you can enjoy a picnic in the park and make the most of the seasonal activities and events. The castle itself can get busy, especially in July and August, so aim for an early-morning tour to avoid the crowds, then set off to explore the park just as the tour buses roll in.
A Tour of the Royal Palace
With an incredible 1,500 rooms, there’s plenty to explore at Fontainebleau; tours typically include the the Renaissance rooms, the Papal apartment, the Francis I gallery, and Marie Antoinette’s boudoirs. Visitors can also brush on up French history at the palace museum, peek into the private apartments of Napoleon I and Josephine, his first wife, and stroll around the idyllic gardens.
Address: Fontainebleau, France
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 9:30am -6pm (closes at 5pm Oct-March)
Admission: Adults: €12
From $ 288
Chaplin's World
Opened in spring 2016, Chaplin’s World in Corsier-Sur-Vevey, Switzerland, is the first museum dedicated to the life of actor Charlie Chaplin. Set in a neoclassical mansion where Chaplin lived for some 25 years, the museum features many of the home’s original furnishings, as well as family photographs, personal belongings, mementos and more than 30 wax figures of individuals who crossed paths with Chaplin or who were inspired by his work.
Chaplin’s World also includes a separate, Hollywood-style studio where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of silent film and try out the art of pantomime. The studio also includes recreated sets from some of Chaplin’s most famous movies. The surrounding park is also open to the public and offers panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.
Practical Info
Chaplin’s World is in the town of Corsier-Sur-Vevey, about 15 miles from Lausanne or an hour train ride from the Geneva airport. From Vevey station, bus 212 runs to Chaplin’s World; get off at the Chaplin stop. Allow about two and a half hours for your visit. An interactive mobile app is available.
Address: Route de Fenil 2, Corsier-Sur-Vevey, Switzerland
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Admission: CHF 23
From $ 26
Chateau de Rambouillet
Equidistance from Versailles and Chartres, and set amidst 20,000 hectares of lush woodlands, the grand Chateau de Rambouillet is among the Ile-de-France’s most magnificent residences. Dating back to the 14th-century, the château boasts an esteemed cast of former royal residents, from King Francis I to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, and was later used as the summer residence of the French Presidents of the Republic, receiving guests such as General Charles de Gaulle and hosting the first G6 summit.
Today, the Chateau de Rambouillet remains a key presidential residence, and is open to the public, who can enjoy guided tours of the Rococo-style state apartments and castle grounds, including a series of elegant formal gardens and canal ways. Additional highlights include the dazzling Shell Cottage, adorned with gleaming marble, Mother of Pearl and rare seashells, and the Queen Dairy, designed for Marie-Antoinette.
Practical Info
The Chateau de Rambouillet is located in the Ile-de-France region, approximately 60km southwest of Paris, and is open daily except Tuesdays from 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm (6pm from April-Sept). Adult admission at the time of writing is €5.50.
Address: Rambouillet, France
Admission: Adults: €5.50
From $ 61
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
As the biggest and busiest airport in France and one of Europe’s most important international transport hubs, Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is visited by just about every traveler to Paris.
The Basics
Passengers flying into or out of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport have a number of different transport options available, but pre-booking an arrival or departure transfer ensures a hassle-free start or end to your trip. Transfers are available by private vehicle or shared shuttle, linking the airport to central Paris hotels, Disneyland Paris, and Orly (ORY) International Airport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are three different terminals at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Regular shuttle buses run between them.
- All areas of the airport are wheelchair accessible.
- Power outlets and charging stations are located throughout the terminals, and free Wi-Fi is available to passengers.
How to Get There
Charles de Gaulle is located in Roissy, about 16 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Paris, and is connected to the capital by the RER B train and the Roissybus. The fastest way to get into Paris is the RER train, which takes about 30 minutes, while taxis or private transfers can take up to an hour in busy periods.
When to Get There
Flights run from Charles de Gaulle daily at most hours of the day and night, and passengers are recommended to arrive at least two to three hours before their flight departure, depending on their destination. Be sure to leave extra time if flying during busy times, when lines for check-in, security, and passport control can take over an hour, or if flying from Terminal 2 which, as the largest terminal, can take extra time to navigate.
Address: Roissy-en-France 95700, France
Hours: Daily
From $ 14
Cheeseburger Reef
A popular spot for snorkelers and scuba divers in the reef-rich, near-shore waters of Grand Cayman is Cheeseburger Reef, which got its name not from anything under the waves, but rather for its proximity to a topside fast food restaurant. The coral reef here starts about 20 yards off the shore and is marked by a pair of orange mooring buoys. Scuba divers can spot stingrays and reef fish from the sandy seafloor, about 40 feet down, while exploring myriad tunnels and reef formations. And snorkelers have plenty to see as well, with coral heads within 10 feet of the surface and an abundance of snapper, butterflyfish and sea turtles cruising the water column. While here, divers and snorkels should also explore the shipwreck Cali, a freighter that sank near the reef in just 20 feet of water.
Practical Info
Cheeseburger Reef can be accessed from the beach across from the downtown Burger King. It’s about a 10-minute walk north along North Church Street from the tender pier at the cruise ship port. Simply enter the water from the sandy beach and swim to the offshore marker buoys. Tour groups also visit this picturesque undersea attraction by boat, kayak and reef glider.
Address: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
From $ 44
Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Revered by Catholics as the site of several visions of the Virgin Mary in 1830, Paris' Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is an important place of prayer and pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world. The church was consecrated as the Chapel of the Daughters of Charity on Aug. 6, 1815, and then dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In 1830, a woman named Zoe joined the convent and soon changed her name to Catherine. Shortly after joining, she claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary seated in a chair by the altar steps. A few months later, the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared near a painting of St Joseph to show Catherine the design for what would become the Miraculous Medal. The medal was eventually made and sold throughout the world and is said to have brought protection, cures and other miracles to those who have worn it.
Practical Info
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is located at 140 rue du Bac. The site is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2:30 to 7 p.m. On Tuesdays, it is open continuously from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 140 Rue du Bac, Paris, France
Hours: Daily 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From $ 67
Champagne Reef
You know the way that bubbles rise from the bottom of a glass of champagne? That’s exactly what the water looks like when snorkeling Champagne Reef. Thanks to small, volcanic vents in Dominica’s ocean floor, powerful streams of miniature bubbles emerge from cracks between the rocks and dance their way to the surface. Place your hand on the ocean floor, and it’s even possible to feel the burst of air bubbling up from the Earth. Add in a wealth of colorful marine life and the turquoise, tropical waters, and it’s little wonder why Champagne Reef is one of Dominica’s most popular destinations to explore with mask and snorkel.
Practical Info
Champagne Reef is about a 20-minute drive from Dominica’s capital, Roseau. Because the area is part of a marine reserve, visitors are advised to not step on the coral and no anchoring or fishing is allowed. The beach in front of the snorkeling spot is rocky—so don’t expect to sunbathe—but once you’ve made it out past the waves it’s an easy swim to the reef.
Did You Know? The bubbles are formed by geothermal activity, and of the Caribbean’s 16 active volcanoes, nine are located on Dominica.
Address: Champagne Reef, Pointe Michel, Dominica
Hours: Daylight hours
From $ 75
Château de Malmaison
The Château de Malmaison is a country house outside Paris that was once the residence of Joséphine de Beauharais, the first wife of Napoleon I and the first Empress of the French. At one time the château was also the headquarters of the French government.
Joséphine de Beauharais purchased the Château de Malmaison in 1799 for the large sum of 30,000 francs while Napoleon I was away fighting the Egyptian Campaign. As the château had fallen into a state of disrepair, Joséphine spent an enormous sum of money renovating the manor.
While Joséphine owned the house she created a veritable menagerie with exotic animals such as kangaroos, llamas, zebras, ostriches and even a seal. She also built a heated orangery and greenhouse. After her divorce with Napoleon in 1809 Joséphine kept the home, where she remained until her death in 1814.
The château is decorated with a sense of elegance and opulence. Many of the rooms feature enormous chandeliers as well as black and white checkerboard tile floors. The library is particularly notable with a painted vaulted ceiling.
Practical Info
The Château de Malmaison is located in Rueil-Malmaison, a wealthy suburb seven miles east of Paris. To access the chateau via public transportation, take the Paris commuter train, the RER, to RER A stop “La Defense.” Then take bus 258 and disembark at the Le Château stop. It is also possible to drive by taking the RN 13 from Paris and navigating to the address, Avenue du Château de Malmaison in Rueil-Malmaison. The full price of admission is €6.50, but garden admission alone is €1.50. The château waives the admission fee to all visitors under the age of 18 and all EU-residents from 18-25. The château also offers free admission to all visitors the first Sunday of every month.
Address: Avenue du Château de Malmaison, Rueil-Malmaison 92500, France
Hours: April-Sept Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m., Sat-Sun until 6:15 p.m.;
Oct-March Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Sat-Sun until 5:45 p.m.;
Closed Tuesdays & Dec 25-Jan 1.
Admission: €6.50
From $ 139
Château d'Annecy
Soaring dramatically over Annecy’s intact Old Town and set atop a rocky promontory, the medieval castle is a fine display of Savoyard defensive architecture as it was the princely residence of the Counts of Geneva between the 13th and 17th centuries; it was later on abandoned and served a military barracks until the end of World War II. Imagine yourself as a brave 14th century knight and try to identify the primitive keep, the gates, and the cellar rooms. Like many other fortresses elsewhere in Europe, the castle was considerably extended and given several upgrades throughout the centuries, both in terms of style and defensive purposes. The furniture, artworks, and accessories nowadays found inside the otherwise bare yet fascinating exhibition area are testament to these changes, and perfectly complemented by sections on contemporary Savoyard art and Lake Annecy’s eventful history.
Most visitors like to enjoy an excursion to Annecy as a half-day tour from close by Geneva, where they can dwelve in the city’s rich history and wander its colorful canal-side streets. Another option would be to hop on a full day tour of both Geneva and Annecy, which includes a scenic cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Geneva.
Practical Info
Château d’Annecy is located in the city of Annecy in the Auvergne-Rhône- Alpes region of eastern France. While not accessible by public transit nor by car (closest parking lot is located at 10 Place Georges Volland and costs 1,10 € per hour) as the old town of Annecy is very compact and pedestrian-only, it’s just a few minutes walk from the core historic center below. Entry costs 5.20 € per adult and 2.60 € per child. The castle is open every day except Tuesday between October 1 and May 31, from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm; open every day between June 1 and September 30, from 10:30am to 6pm. Closed on May 1, November 1, November 11, December 25, and January 1.
Address: Place du Château, Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 74000, France
Hours: Varies
Admission: Adult: 5.20 €; Child: 2.60 €
From $ 58
Chateau de Maisons
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Seine and surrounded by the Saint-Germain forest, the grandiose Château de Maisons is a remarkable example of French baroque and classical architecture and is renowned as one of the most important of its era. Built in the 17th-century for René de Longueil and often used as a hunting lodge by Louis XIV, the residence was designed by royal architect François Mansart and inspired the much-celebrated chateaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles.
Today, the chateau is preserved as a National Historic Monument and visitors can explore its opulent interiors, including the grand open staircase, the King's apartments and the Comte d'Artois' dining room. Additional highlights include the landscaped gardens and castle grounds, and a museum devoted to the history of horse racing, which began in the region.
Practical Info
The Chateau de Maisons in Ile-de-France, around 20km northwest of Paris, and is open daily except Tuesdays, mid-Sept-mid-May 10am-12.30pm and 2-5pm, mid-May-mid-Sept 10am-12.30pm and 2-5pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is €7.50.
Address: 2 Avenue Carnot, Maisons-Laffitte, France
Admission: Adults: €7.50
From $ 61
Champagnerie Mercier
Home to the best-selling champagne in France, the Champagnerie Mercier ranks as one of Champagne’s most popular champagne houses and the iconic family brand has been producing quality bubbly since 1858. The historic cellars in Epernay opened their doors in 1869 and tours now offer visitors the chance to not only sample the legendary champagne but to learn about the years of tradition and innovation that have shaped the champagne making process.
Descending via a panoramic lift and stepping on board a mini train, visitors explore the labyrinth of 47 tunnels that house the champagne cellars, an impressive 18-kilometers of chalk caves burrowing 30-meters beneath the ground and embellished with artwork by sculptor Gustave Navlet. Additional highlights of a visit include viewing the Mercier Cask, the world's largest wine cask, and of course, visiting the tasting room, where guests can sample various champagne blends and vintages, available to purchase at the on-site shop.
Practical Info
The Champagnerie Mercier is located in Epernay, Champagne, and is open daily from March to mid-December. Tours are available from 9.30-11am and 2-4pm and must be booked in advance.
Address: 70 Avenue de Champagne, Epernay 51200, France
From $ 172
Chateau d'Azay le Rideau
Perhaps one of France’s most breathtaking castles, this beautiful grey stone structure appears to be floating on the placid waters of the Indre River. Built between 1518 and 1527, Chateau d’Azay le Rideau was once considered the premier example of French renaissance architecture. In 1905 it became a designated historical monument and later, the castle was included in the Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage site.
After taking in the impressive exterior, travelers can explore the rich interior, which is comprised of old-world drawing rooms, apartments, a kitchen and bedrooms decorated in 19th-century style. In addition to being a stunning example of French architecture and history, Chateau d’Azay le Rideau is also home to a large collection of artwork.
Practical Info
Chateau d’Azay le Rideau is located in Azay-le-Rideau in the middle of the Indre River. Visitors should be sure to check out the chateau’s attics, which are renowned for their impressive hand-crafted wood frames and a unique exhibit detailing the challenging construction.
Address: Rue de Pineau, Azay-le-Rideau, France
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: Adults: 6,5€
From $ 12