Explore the Royal Estate of Marly just Outside Paris

When entering the Marly estate, you’re greeted by a landscape that’s almost impossibly picturesque. Despite having lost many of its buildings, since its construction in the late 1600s, Marly remains breathtaking. Statues line the side paths, and the main cobblestone lane conjures up images of horses trotting toward the now-destroyed château.

This area is known as the Parc de Marly, and it’s free and open to the public (though be warned, the gates are shut when it’s closing time). Locals take advantage of the grassy fields, forest trails, and tranquil atmosphere to run, exercise, picnic, or otherwise enjoy the grounds. In addition, equestrian clubs often use the space for practice. The park has been meticulously restored to its former glory, so that you can enjoy the forest, ponds, and abreuvoirs (drinking pools) and the rich history that comes with them. Castings of the Chevaux de Marly (Marly Horses) by Guillaume Coustou stand proudly at the far end of the park, topping off the Great Abreuvoir, one of the last remaining original features of Marly.

During the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, the Royal Estate of Marly flourished as a hunting ground and leisure spot for the kings of France and their invited guests. Today, you can visit this historic monument and walk the same paths as past nobility and influential French leaders, such as Marie-Antoinette and Napoleon. This hidden gem is located halfway between the palaces at Saint-Germain-en-Laye to the north and Versailles to the south. As a lesser-known historical site near Paris, Marly is a perfect and affordable place for families, locals, and tourists to explore. 

For those who’d like to learn more about Marly, the Musée du Domaine royal de Marly offers a deep dive into its history. You can find the museum just inside the main gates, and in addition to taking an individual or guided tour, you can enjoy a snack on the terrace while taking in the loveliness of the surrounding park. 

From June 7 until November 3, coinciding with the equestrian events of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the museum is hosting an original exhibition titled “Marly Horses, Masterpieces of Equestrian Art.” This exhibition delves into the history and importance of horses during Marly’s heyday and is done in partnership with other temporary equestrian exhibitions at the Palace de Versailles and Château d’Écouen. From displays of old hunting equipment, to blueprints of the stables and grounds, to paintings and sculptures, you can learn about the hunting domain’s inception and how it evolved from Louis XIV onward. 

In the museum’s permanent collection, learn about Marly’s history, from its construction during Louis XIV’s reign to its unfortunate demolition after the French Revolution. Unlike the flashiness of Versailles, Marly was meant to be a respite, hidden from view of the public so the king and his guests could enjoy some privacy. Construction of the château and grounds began in 1679 and featured the “Machine de Marly,” considered the eighth World Wonder at the time due to its ingenious use of paddle wheels and pumps to move water up from the Seine to aqueducts that then distributed the water to Marly’s famous fountains and horse drinking pools.

Up until the French Revolution, the grounds included a château and 12 pavilions for guests, and statues, paintings, and façades of horses were largely featured throughout every aspect of Marly. After the French Revolution, the estate was sold, and the château and pavilions were deconstructed so the materials, decorations, and furniture could be sold. While these once-majestic buildings no longer exist, you can walk upon the foundations of the château in the park and treat yourself to a stunning view.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts guided visits (including some in English), workshops, games and treasure hunts for the kids, and more. Although the statues presented in the museum and gardens are replicas, you can find the originals in the “Cour Marly” at the Louvre. The museum at Marly is open Wednesday-Sundays and requires a ticket to enter both its permanent and temporary collections. For more information on the museum, park, and “Marly Horses” exhibition, check out their website.