Located on the edge of a sprawling forest, Rambouillet is a historic town and occasional seat of government south-west of Paris. It’s renowned for its centuries-old castle, which has hosted King Louis XVI and Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as General Charles de Gaulle in the lead-up to the World War II liberation of Paris.
Things to do in Rambouillet
One of the commune’s most striking architectural landmarks is the Château de Rambouillet, which was originally established in the 14th century and served as a presidential summer residence from 1896. Today, its opulently furnished rooms are open to the public, with highlights including Marie Antoinette’s boudoir and the medieval tower. Be sure to explore the English Garden, home to the Louis XVI-built Queen’s Dairy and the Shell Cottage.
On the other side of the town is the Espace Rambouillet, a protected tract of forest that’s home to wild deer. You can explore the meandering woodland trails and raised walkways or jump aboard the forest train for a guided tour. The Espace Rambouillet also hosts bird-of-prey demonstrations illustrating the flight abilities of eagles, falcons and owls.
Railway enthusiasts can visit the Museum Rambolitrain, which brings to life the history of train travel in the region. Learn about the evolution from steam to electric locomotives as you browse the thousands of artefacts on display and admire the impressive collection of model trains. In the summer months, miniature steam train rides are available through the museum gardens.
Getting around Rambouillet
Rambouillet is around an hour’s drive from Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Rambouillet railway station and buses travel throughout the commune. The centre of Rambouillet can easily be explored on foot.