Sites Worth Visiting
We are conveniently located on the southwest side of Paris, making us the perfect home base for visiting the region's many sites.
Less than 30 minutes away
Chartres
Home of the famous 12th century cathedral with its breathtaking stained glass windows. The cathedral is a sacred shrine and houses the Sacra Camisia relic (the garment said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary during the birth of Christ). If you speak English, try to be there when Malcolm Miller gives one of his tours of the Cathedral. His learned explanations will give you a glimpse of the amazing majesty and history of the cathedral. (Normally at noon and 2:45 Mon-Sat) BRING BINOCULARS.
If you're interested in stained glass there is the Centre International du Vitrail, located just next to the cathedral on a small side street.
There is a well signposted walking tour of the "old town" which takes you through medieval streets and down by the river banks. Accompanying cassettes are available from the Tourist Office. If you haven't been "cathedral-ed out", take a look at the Eglise St Andre (12th century), the Eglise St Pierre (13th century) and St Aignan (16th century), all situated in the "old town".
Rambouillet
The chateau, built in 1375, now serves as the President of France's alternative residence. It sits amid pretty public gardens and canals. A nice place to stop on your way to or from Chartres. The chateau is open to the public. The grounds also include the Laiterie de la Reine and the Bergerie Nationale (see For Families section).
Dreux
Home of the Chapel of Saint Louis of Dreux, which was built in 1816 at the behest of the Duchess of Orleans, mother of the future king, Louis-Philippe. In 1830 the Chapel became the official burial place of the Orleans royal family. The chapel houses an impressive collection of recumbent figures sculpted by some of France's most famous sculptors: Millet, Barre, Lenoir, Pradier and Mercié. The chapel is also adorned with a magnificent collection of painted and enameled Sèvres glass windows. It's an interesting contrast to the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Chartres.
Maintenon
This town is home to the chateau de Maintenon, which dates back to the Middle Ages. In 1509 the chateau was enlarged. In 1674, Françoise d'Aubigné, widow of the poet Scarron and future Marquise de Maintenon bought the estate. Widowed at the age of 25, she was one of Louis the XIV governesses, and was secretly wed to the king in 1683. In 1698 she gave Maintenon to her niece Françoise-Amable d'Aubigné. Jules Hardouin Mansart build the west wing; the gardens are the work of Le Nôtre.
Less than hour away
Versailles
What is there to say, except that try to go on a nice day and spend some time wandering around the gardens. Each Sunday from May to October, the fountains bring the gardens alive with music and water. Closed on Mondays. Many guests have told us the crowds are too much, so you might want to buy your tickets ahead of time on the web (www.chateauversailles.com).
Chateau d'Anet
Chateau d’Anet was commissioned by the king Henri II and was built by Philibert Delorme, the distinguished architect who worked on several palaces for the French monarchy. Begun in 1547, it is often regarded as his masterpiece. Anet was built for Diane de Poitiers, favorite mistress of Henri II. The garden was designed by Le Nôtre.
Day Trips
Châteaux of the Loire Valley
The first châteaux are less than two hours away from our house. To been seen are Chambord, for the vastness, Beauregard for the smallness. The Château Royal in Amboise is worth seeing and the town is very nice and picturesque. Up the hill from there is Clos Luce where Leonardo Da Vinci lived. South of Amboise you'll find Chenonceau. And is you're looking for the "typical" fairytale castle, try Azay-le-Rideau to the west of Tours. If gardens are your thing, try Vilandry.
Giverny (house and gardens of Claude Monet)
For you art and garden lovers, Giverny is a nice drive away. Despite being a tourist attraction, the house and gardens have kept their charm. If you just can't get enough of Monet, don't forget the Musée Marmottan in Paris.
