Parc de MarlyStatuary in the park at Marly
©Statuary in the park at Marly|Philippe Meunier

In the footsteps of Kings Louveciennes, Marly-le-Roi

In the shadow of the forest of Marly, two towns marked by royal history flourish. First, Marly-le-Roi, where Louis XIV created his secret estate, a haven of splendour and mystery. Then there’s Louveciennes, the town of ten châteaux, including that of the Countess du Barry, the last favourite of King Louis XV. These two towns, nurtured by the elegance and grandeur of royalty, today retain the memory of their splendours and secrets, bearing witness to an era when the sublime blended with everyday life.

A stroll through the village of Louveciennes will enchant you!

The town of seven châteaux stretches from the banks of the Seine to the gates of the Marly national estate, passing through pretty narrow streets and the heart of the village where a few shops are located. From the Seine and the old Machine buildings you can follow the water trail along ancient pipes that take you to the aqueduct and its 36 arches. Right next door is the Musée du Domaine royal de Marly, where a visit is a must to learn about the history of the Marly estate.

Many famous people have lived or stayed in Louveciennes, including Elisabeth Vigée Lebrun (who is actually buried in the village cemetery), Anaïs Nin, Marshal Joffre and the Comtesse du Barry. The Impressionist painters also captured the landscapes of Louveciennes, notably Pissarro and Jeanne Baudot, so don’t hesitate to discover their works by following the Path of the Impressionists.

# 2 Great stories The Trou d'Enfer site

A former royal and presidential hunting ground, the Trou d’Enfer site in the Forest of Marly is still steeped in history and full of secrets. Now closed to the public, it only opens its doors on rare occasions, offering an exclusive glimpse of this forest setting, symbolic of both royal splendour and modern times.

The village of Marly-le-Roi, with its colourfully-fronted houses and steep alleyways, will appeal to you, whether for a simple stroll or a gourmet break (the historic heart of the town is packed with restaurants).

The main thoroughfare of the village, the grande rue, will take you to the entrances of the Domaine national de Marly where you can enjoy a moment of relaxation. The more courageous will take the path along the park wall to reach the Marly forest, around 20 minutes away.