Audio GuideSaint-Cloud National Estate

Domaine national de Saint-Cloud is a vast parkland with a rich past located southwest of Paris. Once home to the historic Château de Saint-Cloud—a royal residence destroyed during the Franco-Prussian War—the park has evolved into a national treasure. This estate witnessed major events such as the meeting of the Council of Five Hundred following Napoleon’s Coup of Eighteenth Brumaire.

Aleksandr Semenkov

Visitors can explore several distinct garden styles. French formal gardens designed by Le Nôtre, with their precise symmetry and elegant layouts, merge with a more relaxed English landscape garden. There is also a charming rose garden once favored by Marie Antoinette, adding a touch of regal romance to the surroundings.

Agnès

The park has inspired many artists over time. Renowned painter Wassily Kandinsky captured its landscapes in a celebrated series of works, highlighting its enduring beauty and creative influence. As you wander through the grounds, be sure to see landmarks like the panoramic viewpoint called La Lanterne, which offers expansive views of Paris, and the Musée historique du château de Saint-Cloud that shares the story of the former castle.

Frank Mikanowski

Other points of interest include the École Normale Supérieure in the Pavillon Valois and the headquarters of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in the Pavillon de Breteuil.

Mary Jane Reyes

Domaine national de Saint-Cloud remains a must-see destination where history, art, and nature come together in an unforgettable experience.