What if I told you that one of Paris’s best-kept secrets lies just a short train ride away? This is the Avenue du Parc de Sceaux. It is a favorite destination for Parisians seeking respite from the city’s hustle.
Avenue du Parc de Sceaux offers a charming blend of history art and natural beauty. Sceaux is pronounced So. It is a small city with a pedestrian-only district. Gourmet food shops patisseries and restaurants line the streets here. Several chain stores boutique shops and pharmacies are also found here. Locals enjoy this area of Sceaux. Avenue de Camberwell and Rue Houdan ring this area. It is the perfect weekend place to catch up with family and friends.
Just around the corner from this hangout is one of the entrances to Parc de Sceaux. Locals and Parisians flock here to unwind. People of all ages come to stroll. They spread blankets to picnic. Some sit quietly to soak in the ambiance.
Amidst this vast park is a petit chateau. It sits on a hill above fountains and pools. They cascade down the slope. Statues of marble stone and bronze sprinkle the landscape. Several original outbuildings date back to the 17th century. The illustrious history of Chateau de Sceaux begins then.
The story actually starts at another chateau. It is Vaux-Le-Vicomte. Nicholas Fouquet built this castle to impress King Louis XIV. He threw a lavish party at his opulent chateau. The king had him imprisoned for embezzlement. How else could his minister afford to outshine the king of France?
Jean-Baptiste Colbert played a role in France’s history. He held many titles under Louis XIV. Most notably he was first minister of state. Colbert purchased a domaine with a lordship title. Then he built his own dream house. Colbert hired the Perrault brothers and Antoine Lepautre. They were the best architects. Charles Le Brun was the king’s painter and interior designer.
After Colbert’s death his son hired Andre Le Notre. He was a popular garden designer of Versailles. Le Notre created a gorgeous park fit for a marquis. The younger Colbert added exquisite statues. They depicted mythological characters. Over the decades lavish fetes were thrown here. Renowned musicians of the day performed often.
Unfortunately the original chateau was destroyed during the French Revolution. The state confiscated the property. Later it was sold to Monsieur Lecomte. He was a merchant from Saint-Malo. His son-in-law later rebuilt the chateau in the Louis XIII style. It was completed in 1862. The surviving outbuildings were restored then as well.
One such restored building is the Pavillon de l’Aurore. It is a lovely domed structure. Le Brun painted the round ceiling circa 1673. The work is entitled L’Aurore sur son char chassant la Nuit. It follows the allegory of Aurore. Aurore signifies Colbert. He awaits the arrival of Louis XIV. The Sun King is depicted as the sun itself.
Another must-see is the Musee de l’Ile-de-France. It is housed in the chateau itself. This museum has the largest collection of paintings from the famed School of Paris. It also serves as a history museum for both l’Ile-de-France and the Chateau de Sceaux. Various exhibits can be viewed here. The nearby orangerie contains temporary art exhibits.
Today one would never know the French Revolution caused such destruction here. The fountains pools and lavish lawn are a pleasure to discover. Parisians bask in the sun here. Don’t be surprised to see a bride decked out for her nuptials. This is a popular wedding venue. It is a well-kept secret.
Parc de Sceaux and Chateau de Sceaux are accessible via the RER B line. Take it towards Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse. The stop is Parc de Sceaux. The main entrance to the chateau and parc is a 15-minute walk from the train station. The neighborhood is tranquil.
So the next time you’re seeking an escape from the ordinary consider a stroll down Avenue du Parc de Sceaux. Discover its hidden treasures and immerse yourself in the captivating stories.