Just 35 kilometres from the French capital, a listed historic monument surrounded by extraordinary gardens is welcoming visitors once again. The Domaine de Courson is set within grounds holding the prestigious “Jardin Remarquable” label, has reopened to the public from April 2026 through to 1 November.
A park shaped by 19th-century masters
The park at Courson is the work of two towering figures in 19th-century landscape design: Berthault, who served as landscape architect to empresses Joséphine and Marie-Louise, and the Bühler brothers, who created some of France’s great public parks during the Second Empire. The result is a sweeping composition of winding pathways around a central pond, lined with giant sequoias, century-old oaks, Virginia tulip trees, weeping blue cedars and clusters of Austrian black pines. The park earned France’s prestigious Prix des Parcs de France as far back as 1992.
Scattered throughout the grounds are architectural highlights that catch visitors by surprise: a neoclassical chapel, an ellipsoidal cold greenhouse by Delarue dating from 1860 — a fine example of 19th-century industrial architecture — and a rare 17th-century water tower that now houses a photographic exhibition on the estate’s wildlife.
Sting at Courson
The château has a notable place in music history too. In 1985, rock musician Sting chose Courson as the base for his new band, who lived and rehearsed there for nine days ahead of their debut concerts at the Théâtre Mogador in Paris. Director Michael Apted was there throughout, filming rehearsals, interviews with the musicians, press conferences and photo shoots, all of which formed the basis of the wonderful documentary Bring On the Night. The film went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Music Video, Long Form at the 1987 Grammy Awards. Those familiar with the documentary will recognise the grand salon, the staircases and the grounds, and may get a slightly surreal sense of déjà vu wandering through rooms where Sting and his band, which included star saxophonist Branford Marsalis and bassist Darryl Jones, can be seen rehearsing on screen.
Guided tours bring history to life
Guided tours of the château take visitors through several centuries of French history, from the reign of Louis XIV to the Napoleonic era, including the story of General Arrighi de Casanova, Duke of Padua and first cousin of Napoleon, who was a passionate art collector and responsible for the gallery that occupies the north wing.
Inside the spectacular grand salon, designed in the Italian style and stretching 17 metres across two floors, visitors can admire an exceptional painted ceiling by Denuelle and a magnificent full-length portrait of the Emperor in his coronation robes. Guided tours depart at 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays, with the 16:00 slot reserved for children. During the French spring school holidays (18 April to 4 May 2026), tours run daily.
Activities for families
The estate has put real thought into its outdoor offer for families. Three complementary routes thread through the park: a 90-minute educational walk designed for children aged 7 to 12, following a botanist’s illustrated adventure trail across 21 stages; a maze-like woodland area that sprang from the four hectares devastated by the 1999 storm, now serving as a living lesson in forest regeneration; and orienteering courses for all skill levels, run in partnership with a regional sports committee.
Getting there
The park alone is open Monday to Saturday from 14:00 to 17:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 12:00 to 18:00. Entry to the park costs €8 for adults and €6 for those aged 7–12 or over 65, with free entry for children under 6. A combined château and park ticket is €12 for adults and €10 for concessions. Dogs on leads are welcome, and picnics on the grass are permitted. By car from Paris, take the N118 towards Chartres and exit at junction 14.
Spring is a particularly good time to visit: wisteria, lilacs and cherry blossoms give way to the vivid hues of azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons, before the maples take over in autumn with their golden and orange tones.
source: sortiraparis.com
