Free walking tours in Rambouillet and what to see

Must-sees

Rambouillet is a town in the south of the Yvelines, surrounded by a great forest that was once a royal hunting ground. Its château began as a medieval fortress and was gradually transformed into a country residence. Francis I died here, and it passed through the hands of the Count of Toulouse and the Duke of Penthièvre, Louis XVI and Napoleon. For much of the 20th century it was a residence of the Presidents of the Republic, who used it to receive heads of state and host international summits.

The park is as interesting as the château. It has a formal French garden with canals and islands, and an English garden home to the Chaumière aux Coquillages, a cottage built in 1779 for the Princesse de Lamballe, its interior lined with shells and mother-of-pearl. A little further on is the Queen’s Dairy, which Louis XVI had built for Marie Antoinette in 1786. Next door, the Bergerie nationale still breeds the flock of merino sheep brought from Spain in that king’s time.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Rambouillet. What Civitatis offers is a ticket for the château, which lets you visit its rooms on your own, and afterwards you can explore the park at your own pace. The tourist office suggests routes for discovering the corners of the park by yourself.

How long to spend

Allow half a day for the château, the park, the Dairy and the Chaumière. With a full day you can add the Bergerie nationale and a walk in the forest. If you have more time, the Chevreuse Valley and its villages are close by, and you can also link up with Versailles or Chartres on a trip of several days.

Where to stay

The most practical place to stay is central Rambouillet, near the station and the château, with small hotels and guesthouses. Trains run from Paris Montparnasse, so you can also stay in the capital and make it a day trip. If you prefer nature, the villages of the forest and the Chevreuse Valley have country cottages and chambres d’hôtes.