The estate of Marly-le-Roi, on the edge of Marly Forest and just 7 km from Versailles, is one of Louis XIV's major achievements. This secluded retreat, which was only open to a select few who were loyal to the King, was entirely designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the architect of the Palace of Versailles.
At the time, the royal château stood proudly in the centre of the estate. The building was surrounded by several pavilions devoted to privileged guests, at the end of two avenues running alongside the main water feature. This architectural ensemble was pillaged during the Revolution, then destroyed in 1806. All that is left today is the park of 53 hectares, which has lost none of its former beauty, and the memory of the walls that once stood there.
Gardens, groves, statues, fountains and pools once supplied with water by the famous "Machine", whose secrets you will discover: everything invites you to relax and contemplate your surroundings. You can also admire the horse-watering pool adorned by the Marly Horses, restored in 2006, the Runners' Square and the base of the old château, which will give you an idea of the estate's former splendour.
If you'd like to find out more about this listed Historic Monument, which is now owned by the French State, don't hesitate to visit the estate museum. The site also has two "geocaching" trails, a GPS-assisted treasure hunt where past and present come together to help you explore the site in a fun way. Cultural events are organised regularly, such as concerts, exhibitions, children's activities, etc.
In Yvelines, in the Ile-de-France, Marly-le-Roi commune is located fifteen kilometers from Paris, and less than ten kilometers from Versailles. The city was built on a hill, below a castle today unfortunately disappeared. Known since the seventh century, the city of Marly-le-Roi still has a heritage reflecting its rich past.
The city, which has attracted the biggest names over the centuries, also has a beautiful cultural heritage, still visible today. Full of life and very lively, with events organized throughout the year, the city of Marly-le-Roi is an excellent base for exploring this part of the Île-de-France and for holidays exciting, the quiet countryside of Yvelines.
City Marly-le-Roi presents an important and rich heritage that bears witness to a glorious past and the presence of big names in the history of France.
The Royal Park is surely one of the most beautiful sites in the town of Marly-le-Roi. This is where was the Château de Marly which served resort once to King Louis XIV. Some parts of the park have been classified as an historic monument. Bordering the park, the walk-museum Marly-le-Roi - Louveciennes is of great interest.
Walking through the streets of Marly-le-Roi, visitors can discover remarkable sites, such as the washing of the pond Thibaut, the Chappe telegraph tower dating from the late eighteenth century, the Toulouse hotel, built in the early eighteenth century, or the hotel de Gesvres.
Note that it is possible to admire the house of Alexandre Dumas son, who once lived in Marly-le-Roi and an impressive bust of Victorien Sardou.
The biggest drinker in Europe, built by Mansart at the end of the seventeenth century can be seen Marly-le-Roi. It was restored in the mid-2000s Mansart is also behind the beautiful St. Figor church.
The former home of Victorien Sardou, the castle Verduron remains famous for its very impressive sphinx.
Built in the late nineteenth century, the fort of Trou d'Enfer is not open, but can be admired from the outside. It was designed to accommodate over 800 soldiers.
The forest of Marly, large over 2000 hectares, is a promenade popular with Parisians. Former hunting area of the kings of France, it is now fully covered by a natural area of ecological interest, flora and fauna.
Marly-le-Roi is causing many activities that sustain the various monuments of the city and bring joy and happiness.
The Marly-le-Roi market is held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays morning. A Christmas market is also proposed in December.
Dancite organizes every year in April the Marly-le-Roi contemporary dance meetings with dance demonstrations and meetings.
The Marly Jazz Festival takes place every year in May with the organization of numerous concerts of artists from around the world.
Every June, Scent of a Woman, Marly-le-Roi organizes the festival of the city. On this occasion, visitors can discover such a huge fireworks display in the beautiful park of Marly.
The look of the festival moved to Marly-le-Roi and other surrounding cities from June to August. For the occasion, various thematic exhibitions are offered to visitors.
