The day in Ecouen will start with a 20 minutes train ride from Paris followed by a walk through the charming Montmorency forest.
This leads to the magnificent 16th century castle housing the National Renaissance Museum. Some of the pieces of furniture, objects or tapestries displayed in the beautifully restored rooms are unique and world class.
After the chateau, an art tour in the city center will highlight several artists choosing Ecouen as their residence for inspiration. One of them was Mary Cassatt. A few paintings will also be exceptionally out for a look at to round up the art trail in a local center, before going back to the station through the woods.
Ecouen
Description
Ecouen
Practical information:
• Collection point: to be confirmed
• Duration: 06h
• Train / walking (Special quote required for private transport)
• Groups: 50€/pers. (from 7 to 20 people)
• Couple: 250€/pers. 3 to 6 people: Contact us
• Transportation and all sites tickets included.
Very close to Paris is a rare beauty, a pristine castle built in the 16th century. It houses the national museum for collections from the Renaissance period.
Even though original furniture has disappeared, some rooms have been beautifully restored with their wooden paneled offices, splendid fireplaces or vaulted ceilings.
A large collection of objects has been gathered including goldsmiths masterpieces like the Spanish Emperor’s golden clock, rare wooden chests, a superb series of tapestries, including the series on David and Bethsabee, but also superb cabinets with marquetry and precious stones. The chapel is another highlight of the visit with a painted ceiling and rich decorating.
Just behind the chateau, the small town of Ecouen is spread around a church boasting of superb stained glass windows from the 16th century as well as an old mansion now housing the tourism office. A permanent exhibition shows the first telegraph attempts and experiments held in the mid 19th century by Claude Chappe.
A 30 minutes art trail in the city center will show paintings from various artists who chose Ecouen for inspiration as an art school in the second half of the 19th century. One of them was the American painter Mary Cassatt. Close by, a short conference in the town hall will highlight this period with the city’s painting collection.
The day will end with a stroll back through the forest to the train station and Paris.
