Domaine Departemental de Sceaux

The Domaine de Sceaux is one of the most beautiful parks in the Paris region, the brainchild of André Le Nôtre, commissioned by Colbert, the renowned minister of Louis XIV. Although the original château was destroyed during the French Revolution, the current Louis XIII-style building (brick and stone) was rebuilt in the 19th century. It now houses the Musée de l'Île-de-France, which recounts the history of the estate and local artistic life. The château stands at the center of a magnificent vista, but it is the harmony of the park that truly captivates visitors. The estate is famous for its hydraulic engineering marvels, notably the Grand Canal and the Grande Cascade, which rival the majesty of Versailles. The park is divided into several distinct areas: the parterres de broderie (embroidered flowerbeds) at the foot of the château, the romantic woodlands, and the northern grove. The Pavilion of Aurora, whose dome was painted by Charles Le Brun, is one of the few remaining vestiges of the 17th century still standing and testifies to the incredible luxury of the receptions of the time.