Top Castles in Ile-de-France

Wear comfy shoes, seriously! The grounds are massive, and I didn’t realize how much walking I’d do. My feet were hurting by the end of the day, and I regretted wearing cute but uncomfortable shoes.

If you're planning to go inside the palace, buy your tickets online and pick a time slot. I waited in line for about an hour, and it was a bit frustrating. Save yourself that headache.

I suggest bringing your own picnic if the weather's nice. The garden spots are perfect for a relaxing lunch, and you can save some cash.

I think visiting on a weekday is way better than weekends. Less traffic and you can really take your time in the castle without feeling rushed.

Don't miss the Napoleon apartments! They were a highlight for me, but it was easy to overlook them with all the other stunning rooms.

I suggest bringing a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. The food inside can be pricey, and the gardens are a perfect spot for a break.

I recommend checking out the castle dungeons; they're really impressive! Just be ready to duck a lot—those stairways can be tight!

My advice is to visit on a weekday. I made the mistake of going on a Saturday, and it was super crowded. I think if you go on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you'll have a much more peaceful experience.

I suggest grabbing a snack before you go; there are some great cafes nearby, but they can be pricey and crowded. Bring a little something to munch on while you enjoy the castle grounds!

Bring a picnic! The gardens are so beautiful and it was way cheaper to eat outside than in the restaurant. Plus it's a nice vibe to relax in such a nice setting.

If you can, visit on a weekday. The weekends felt packed, and I could barely enjoy the views without feeling rushed. Weekdays are less busy for sure!

I suggest arriving around 10 AM to beat the crowds – it was way quieter when I got there early. Plus, you can grab some nice photos without too many other visitors in the background.

My advice is to bring a picnic lunch. The gardens are gorgeous, and it's such a treat to relax with some food among the flowers. A nice break from cafe prices

Check out the Luxembourg Gardens if you have some time. I almost skipped them but ended up spending a couple of hours just enjoying the scenery. It's a hidden gem right by the palace!