4 Chateau Visits

4 Chateau Visits Versailles, Ile de France Versailles is France’s most famous palace and it really does live up to the hype. It’s an easy 40-minute train ride from Paris (there are two stations in Versailles, the closest to the Palace is Versailles Rive Gauche). Be warned, the palace is huge, you’ll need an entire day here (I once spent 3 days there and still didn’t see it all). Sumptuous, ridiculously opulent, breath-taking for its history and beauty, the castle is packed with wow factor. The gardens are equally gorgeous. Book tickets online before you go and try to go as early as possible to avoid the queues to get in. There are restaurants on site but the gardens are fabulous for a picnic and there are plenty of restaurants in the town which is also well worth a visit. More on Versailles: Versailles chateau guide 10 things to do in Versailles

Chantilly, Picardy The Chateau de Chantilly, in Picardy, is one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in France and very easy to reach from Paris. Take a 23 minute TER train ride from Gare du Nord, then take the free shuttle bus or take the 30 minute walk if you fancy seeing the pretty town en route. Enjoy the opulent interior, an incredible art collection, stunning horse show, the gorgeous gardens with a beautiful hamlet which inspired Marie- Antoinette. And, not to be missed in the chateau restaurant - dessert with famous Chantilly cream.