Can you imagine owning a castle in Paris? Standing before you is a magnificent example, the Château de Monte-Cristo. It was built in the 19th century by author Alexandre Dumas, famous for his classic novels, The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. It was his dream to escape the city and find tranquility for writing new stories. He was living in Saint Germain en Laye and picked the perfect spot on the slopes of Port-Marly to build his chateau. He wanted a renaissance chateau with a gothic castle in miniature, with moats, grottos, ornamental rocks and waterfalls. On July 25th, 1847, he held a lavish housewarming party, inviting friends, admirers and the curious. He wanted to call his home the Château de Monte-Cristo because of his second famous novel, and it became a paradise for him for a short time. The chateau stands majestically in a park of nine hectares, with beautiful gardens designed in the English style. It is a true treasure for any visitor. Today, the chateau is a museum open to show visitors a glimpse of the life of Alexandre Dumas and his magnificent castle. The chateau is open most days of the week but it’s best to check online for schedules and events. The chateau’s architecture is a reflection of Dumas’s creativity and the spirit of 19th-century French design.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.