Paris Chateaux  Although the Loire valley or the Dordogne are really the places to go for chateaux lovers, the Paris region boasts two chateaux that are totally spectacular!  With so much space in the grounds the children will love the freedom here (I still remember a trip to the Château de Versailles when I was in my teens, more than twenty years ago - Webmaster!)

Château de Versailles

Location: West of the Paris metropolis, the palace is best accessed by RER line C
from Montparnasse station, direction of Versailles-rive-gauche-château.
General Info: Open Tuesday to Sundays from 9AM – 6.30PM in the summer.  The pricing structure is complex. Check out the information boards on arriving. On a recent visit (2008) we went in late in the day and paid less. All over 18’s pay €16 for the main château, but there are extra costs to visit other parts (for example La Domaine de Marie-Antoinette). Website.
Description: One of the most visited monuments in France.  The many buildings attached to the chateau form a magnificent complex with a delightful park and gardens.  The state apartments of the King and Queen, and the Hall of Mirrors can be visited.
Our recommendations: Hire a rowing boat on the Grand Canal and don't miss the Grand Trianon and the rustic Petit Trianon, so dear to the heart of the queen Marie-Antoinette.  Plan to spend  a whole day here – the area covered is immense.  The château interior can get incredibly busy and even with the ‘one way’ system in operation the crowds can feel very intimidating.
For the children: Although this palace is not designed as an attraction for children, they should have a great time here as there is so much space for letting off steam!

If you have a car you could easily make a day trip to one of the superb renaissance chateaux of the Loire valley.