The sleepy commune of Chaussy harbors one of France’s best-kept secrets – a magnificent 800-hectare estate with twin châteaux that most Paris-bound travelers zip past without a second glance. Tucked away in Val-d’Oise, just 60 miles northwest of the capital, this hidden gem in the verdant French Vexin offers a tranquil escape that feels worlds away from tourist crowds.
A tale of two castles where history whispers
The crown jewel of Chaussy is undoubtedly the Domaine de Villarceaux, home to not one but two stunning castles spanning different architectural eras. The medieval Lower Castle, with its weathered stone walls, sits nestled in the valley, while the elegant 18th-century Upper Castle commands breathtaking views from its hilltop perch.
“What makes Villarceaux special is its preserved authenticity,” explains local historian Jean Moreau. “Unlike many grand estates, you can feel centuries of untouched history here, from medieval foundations to Renaissance gardens.”
Gardens that rival Versailles (without the crowds)
Between April and November, visitors can wander freely through Villarceaux’s spectacular gardens – a harmonious blend of formal French design and romantic English landscape. Most remarkably, unlike the packed pathways of other French monuments, you’ll often find yourself alone amidst these magnificent grounds.
The medicinal plant square offers a fragrant glimpse into medieval herbalism, while the grand vertugadin – a sloping embankment lined with Italian statues – provides the perfect perspective of the estate’s masterful design. For photographers, the reflecting ponds capture mirror images of the château, particularly magical during golden hour.
Secret spots only locals know
Beyond the estate lies the quiet charm of Chaussy itself, with its hidden hamlets scattered across the rolling landscape. The Les Poteaux hamlet rewards explorers with half-timbered cottages and narrow lanes that have changed little over centuries.
Unlike more famous medieval villages, Chaussy’s authenticity remains intact precisely because it flies under the tourist radar. “We don’t have tour buses or souvenir shops,” says Marie Dupont, a lifelong resident. “Just fields, forests, and the rhythm of country life.”
Unexpected adventures in French countryside
Golf enthusiasts will delight in Villarceaux’s course, where fairways wind between ancient stone walls and centuries-old oak trees. For a truly memorable experience, book an early tee time to catch the mystical morning mist hovering over the greens.
Hikers can explore numerous trails through the French Vexin Natural Regional Park, offering vistas reminiscent of Impressionist paintings. The area’s undulating cereal fields create rolling waves of gold in late summer, a photographer’s dream landscape far from busier European destinations.
A perfect day trip from Paris
Just 20 kilometers north of Mantes-la-Jolie (easily reached by train from Paris), Chaussy makes an ideal escape from urban intensity. While public transportation is limited, renting a car unlocks the freedom to explore at your own pace – essential for discovering the hidden corners of this rural retreat.
For the full experience, time your visit between April and November when Villarceaux’s gardens burst with seasonal color and cultural events animate the grounds. The estate remains blissfully uncrowded even in peak summer months, offering a tranquil alternative to more popular day trips.
Where solitude meets splendor
What makes Chaussy truly special is the rarity of finding yourself alone amidst such magnificence. Standing atop the vertugadin embankment path as golden light filters through ancient trees, you might wonder how such a treasure remains virtually unknown to international travelers.
Perhaps like Europe’s most secluded beaches, Chaussy’s quiet charm is preserved by its very obscurity. In a country where tourism often means crowds and queues, this pocket of authentic France offers something increasingly precious: space to breathe, wander, and discover at your own pace.