Built between 1539 and 1555 for Anne de Montmorency, the Château d’Écouen is one of the best preserved Renaissance castles in France and is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. While wandering through the palace, keep an eye out for the estate’s 12 hand-painted fireplaces.
The museum sometimes has special exhibits, but the sheer quality and quantity of its main collection is impressive on its own. Some highlights of your visit include the biblical story of David and Bethsabe depicted across 10 sixteenth-century tapestries, Baron Salomon Mayer von Rothschild’s silverware collection, and rediscovered ceramics by potter Bernard Palissy.
Unless you are driving, the best way to reach the museum is by train from the Gare du Nord station in Paris. The museum recommends visitors take Transilien Line H (direction: Persan-Beaumont/Luzarches) to the Gare d’Écouen-Ezanville stop (approximately 25 minutes). Next, take bus 269 towards Garges-Sarcelles to the Mairite/Église stop (roughly 5 minutes). You can also walk to the museum from the train station (about 20 minutes) through the estate’s forest/grounds.
The museum is open every day except Tuesday, with a break for lunch in the middle of the day. If you're on a budget and don't mind crowds, visit on the first Sunday of the month, when admission is free.
Though the museum is closed on Tuesdays, the château’s attached grounds are free and open to the public every day. And if you fancy a bite to eat, the estate has a restaurant called At the Table of Kings that’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30am to 5:30pm.
