Museum Overview

The Château de Rambouillet is the only castle open to the public to have survived the Ancien Régime, the Empire and the Republic.

Originally a fortress, it has retained its bastioned outline and 14th-century keep. Acquired by Louis XVI in 1783, it quickly became a popular refuge, prized for its wooded setting and intimate atmosphere, far from the turmoil of power.

Over the centuries, the château has welcomed prestigious owners: the Count of Toulouse, Louis XVI, and Napoleon, among others, all contributed to shaping its history. From 1895, Rambouillet became a presidential summer residence and established itself as a key center of French diplomacy. Under the presidency of Vincent Auriol, the château underwent modernization, commissioning the Mobilier National (National Furniture Collection) to assist with this transformation. The château then hosted numerous heads of state and international meetings, including the famous G6 summit organized by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in 1975.

Since 2018, the castle has been entirely managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux and is open to the public. A must-see discovery at the heart of political and historical significance.
French cultural culture.

The tour reveals remarkable interior decorations: the Marble Room, 18th-century woodwork, and Neo-Pompeian decor from the First Empire. The estate also invites visitors to stroll through its park and formal French gardens. There, you will discover the Shell Cottage, built for the Princess de Lamballe, as well as the famous Dairy of
The Queen was built for Marie Antoinette.

NEW: a new visitor tour opens on July 1st with 250m2 of space dedicated to discovering the presidential apartment as Valéry Giscard d'Estaing knew it in 1975! A new narrative accompanies the opening of the presidential apartment, recounting “100 years of diplomacy in Rambouillet”.

A unique visit not to be missed! The shop is open every day except Tuesday.

Groups accepted : from 20 people

Average visit duration : 50 minutes

Average visit duration for groups : 2 hours

Target audiences : Special fare for disabled people, Special fare for job seekers, Special fare for students, ATMs

Comfort and amenities

Services

  • Shop
  • Tourist documentation
  • Guided tours

Equipment

  • Parking
  • Toilet

Rates / opening

Prices

Discovery tour (Castle + factories): €11 /
Factory visits only: €7 /
Free for under 18s and for EU citizens aged 18-25.
Free on the first Sunday of the month from November to March.

Grand tour visit (Castle + guest apartments + follies): €13 full price - €2 reduced price /

Booking a time slot for your visit is mandatory and can be done on chateau-rambouilet.fr

Payment method

  • Classic Holiday Vouchers
  • Online payment

Opening

Open every day except Tuesday from 10am to 13pm and from 14pm to 18pm (17pm from 10/01st to 03/31st)
Closed on 01/01, 01/05, 25/12 (the park remains open)

For Professionals

Up 80 people

Our meeting room:

  • “Marble Room” room: 70 people – 100m2 (natural light)