The Domaine de Saint Cloud, a huge park with many fountains near Paris

Located on the outskirts of Paris, the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud invites you to immerse yourself in nature, heritage and festivities. This vast 460-hectare park, perched high above the Seine, offers a breathtaking view of the capital. Classified as an outstanding garden, it stretches over the former royal estate where the Orléans once had a residential castle, now gone, but whose avenues, sculptures and fountains perpetuate its splendor.

Behind its monumental gates, the estate tells a story that began in the 16th century, when Catherine de Médicis sold the Hôtel d'Aulnay to Jérôme de Gondi. Transformed into a pleasure house, the residence was gradually surrounded by terraces, formal flowerbeds and groves ideal for strolling. Bought by Philippe d'Orléans, the estate became a center of political and cultural life. Although the château was destroyed after the 1870 war, the gardens designed by Le Nôtre retain their atmosphere of grandeur and tranquility.

Among the treasures to be discovered here, the Grande Cascade (currently under construction), a 17th-century hydraulic jewel, still impresses with its symmetrical elegance. The Bassin du Fer à Cheval, below, offers a striking perspective, extended by paths lined with antique statues, arbors and belvederes. The walk also leads to the Jardin du Trocadéro, the Val d'Or and the Orangerie, all names that evoke a prestigious past.

But the estate is more than just an open-air museum. It pulsates to the rhythm of festive events that bring together families, the curious and art lovers alike. There are light installations in winter, open-air concerts and choreographed water games throughout the year. These events, often free of charge, give the site a contemporary dimension, while enhancing its heritage.

Among the key events usually held in this remarkable garden are the Rock en Seine festival, Lumière en Seine every winter and the Concerts et Jeux d'eau, a show combining music and animated fountains.

Easily accessible by metro or tramway, the Domaine de Saint-Cloud is an ideal outing for a peaceful Sunday or a family day out. Each avenue tells a page of history, each fountain an invitation to contemplate. Whether you come for a picnic, a romantic stroll or to attend an event, the estate is a lively place, combining nature and culture.

• To be read
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• This week in Paris, from June 9 to 15, 2025: free or accessible outings
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Jeux d'eau at Domaine national de Saint-Cloud 2025: a free aquatic extravaganza to discover
This year, on Sundays June 8 and 15 and Saturday June 14, 2025, the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud is offering a refreshing stroll through its gardens, with the Jeux d'eau event. Fountains, waterfalls and basins play out an aquatic symphony, free of charge! [Read more]

Concerts et jeux d'eau 2025: the free outdoor festival returns to the Domaine de Saint-Cloud
This year, the Concerts et Jeux d'eau du Domaine de Saint-Cloud will be back on Saturday June 14 and Thursday June 15, 2025. The program for the 19th edition of this festival includes a musical stroll through these historic gardens, enhanced by waterfalls and water features. It's an opportunity to meet a selection of artists from around the world beneath the park's fountains and waterfalls. [Read more]

La Course des Héros 2025: a solidarity event at the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud
The Course des Héros returns to the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud. Become a hero for a day by taking part in this solidarity race on June 15, 2025, with all proceeds going to benefit French charities. [Read more]

Keinemusik in concert at the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud in July 2025
A musical event not to be missed this summer just outside Paris! For the very first time, the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud is hosting a major electro set. Join us on Sunday, July 13, 2025, for an exclusive set to dance to the wild mixes of Berlin collective Keinemusik. [Read more]

NoART: an exclusive open-air event at the Domaine de Saint-Cloud in July 2025
Feel like dancing this summer in a bucolic setting just outside Paris? Head for the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud to get your groove on with NoART. The Amsterdam-born collective is coming to the Hauts-de-Seine for the very first time on Sunday, July 20, 2025, with an electro open air that promises to be a blast. [Read more]

Rock en Seine 2025: here's the (almost) full line-up for each day
The Rock en Seine festival returns this summer with five days of unmissable festivities on Wednesday 20, Thursday 21, Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August 2025 at the Domaine national du Parc de Saint-Cloud. On the program? The phenomenon Chappell Roan for his only concert in France, plus Queens of the Stone Age, Fontaines D.C., Vampire Weekend, Last Train, Empire of the Sun, Justice, Doechii, A$AP Rocky, Floating Points, The Limiñanas, I Hate Models... Discover the (almost) complete line-up for Rock en Seine 2025. [Read more]

Chappell Roan: who is this artist, headlining the first night of Rock en Seine 2025?
Rock en Seine has unveiled the artist who will set the opening night of its 2025 edition alight. His name? Chappell Roan! A true pop phenomenon revealed in recent months, the American singer will be giving her only concert in France next summer at the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud. So, who is she? We tell you more about Chappell Roan, considered by many to be the new queer icon. [Read more]

Children Without Cancer 2025: the charity race at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud will be the venue for a charity race. Called "Enfants sans Cancer" (Children without Cancer), it aims to raise as many donations as possible to support research into treatments for children with cancer. [Read more]

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.