Top Castles in Ile-de-France

Make sure to visit the gardens before 10 AM! They get super crowded later, plus the morning light is perfect for photos. I loved the tranquility at that hour

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 recommend getting there right when it opens at 9:30 AM to avoid the crowds and really enjoy the gardens in peace.

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.

If you're into photography, golden hour (around 6 PM) is stunning for garden shots. The light just transforms the gardens beautifully.

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!

Plan to spend a few hours wandering the grounds and not just the castle. The gardens are huge and stunning, I underestimated how much time I'd want to spend just exploring outside!

Make sure to wear comfy shoes! The grounds are bigger than they look and you’ll be doing a lot of walking... I wore flip flops, and my feet were sore by the end

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 recommend getting an audio guide instead of a guided tour. It was cheaper and you can go at your own pace. Plus, you can skip the parts you'd rather not linger on. Way better than the group rush!

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!