Free castles around Paris: 9 to visit this Sunday, February 1, 2026, the 1st Sunday of the month

On Sunday February 1, 2026, the cultural calendar lights up: a number of free castles open their doors around Paris. The event coincides with the first Sunday of the month, synonymous with ticket-free access to many national monuments. In this way, a heritage outing can be organized without breaking the budget.

Autour de Paris, an accessible cultural event

According to information published by cultural players in the Paris region, nine castles will be free to visit on February 1, 2026. The principle is simple: free admission applies on the first Sunday, often from November to March. What’s more, most sites require a €0 time-stamped ticket.

Among those announced are Versailles, Fontainebleau and Écouen. There are also Vincennes, Champs-sur-Marne and Maisons. However, timetables and routes vary for each site.

On a Greater Paris scale, the measure benefits families and the curious. The flow is sometimes dense, yet the wait is manageable in the morning. As a result, planning to arrive early helps you make the most of the major venues.

“On the first Sunday, culture is open to all, without price barriers.

Versailles, Fontainebleau, Écouen: the must-sees

Among the most popular free castles, Versailles remains a safe bet. For example, the château is usually open on the first Sunday from November to March. In short, the Gardens are subject to their own calendar, especially on the days of the Grandes Eaux.

Fontainebleau offers a rich visit, from the Grand Appartement to the galleries. In Écouen, the Musée national de la Renaissance shines with its collections. A free slot quickly attracts visitors: book in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Check room openings and closures.
• Collect a free time-stamped ticket if requested.
• Arrive early to reduce waiting time and crowds.
• Please bring identification with you for certain checks.
• Anticipate the changing room and safety instructions.

Other ideas just outside Paris

Among the free castles, the Château de Vincennes is easily accessible by metro. What’s more, its Sainte-Chapelle and dungeon offer a clear medieval narrative. In short, the courtyard and towers require a bit of walking.

In Champs-sur-Marne, Belle Époque settings are popular on free Sundays. Furnished living rooms help children understand what life was like in days gone by. As a result, a visit lasting one to two hours is often sufficient.

Maisons (Maisons-Laffitte) offers a classic masterpiece by Mansart. Malmaison seduces visitors with its memories of Josephine and Napoleon. However, some areas are subject to admission fees for temporary exhibitions.

Small formats, big pleasures

The Maison des Jardies, in Sèvres, offers a more intimate interlude among a series of free castles and historic houses. The story of Gambetta is told on a human scale. And the limited size of the audience makes it a serene experience with children.

The Domaine national de Saint-Cloud is worth visiting for its views and parkland. On the other hand, access to heritage areas is governed by specific rules. So it’s a good idea to check the directions on site to avoid any misunderstandings.

Budget, affluence and free periods

How much does it really cost? For free castles, admission to the permanent tour is €0. You’ll need to budget for extras such as audioguides, temporary exhibitions and parking.

Attendance varies according to current events and the weather. What’s more, the first hour is often the busiest. Afternoons, on the other hand, become busier on sunny days.

A useful reminder: free admission on the first Sunday applies mainly from November to March for national monuments. Consequently, February 1, 2026 is fully included in the window. In short, it’s one of the best times to enjoy free castles.

• Free castles