Things to do in the Oise
Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Just a 2-minute walk from the Ermenonville estate, the Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau, laid out in the 18th century by the Marquis de Girardin, an admirer of the philosopher and owner of the château, is one of the most beautiful parklands in Europe. Inspired by Rousseau’s novel, ‘Julie or the New Heloise’, this English-style garden is a paragon of its genre.
Elegant disorder and picturesque landscapes accentuate its romantic feel, so conducive to philosophical wanderings. A place to discover remarkable trees with tumbling foliage, waterfalls, picturesque wooden bridges, winding paths through untamed vegetation, temples, grottoes and belvederes.
During the last six weeks of his life spent at the Domaine d’Ermenonville, Jean-Jacques Rousseau no doubt found plenty of food for thought in this idyllic natural setting. And to this day, the Île des Peupliers in the centre of the park still houses his cenotaph.
Theme Park for the whole family
Asterix theme park
Just 20 km from the Château d’Ermenonville, this theme park inspired by the world of Asterix and Obelix is a real dive into the Gaulish era. With its mix of fun and thrills, it is a must for all families on a quest for adventure.
Take on the Romans aboard Toutatis, France’s fastest big dipper, fly over Egypt with OzIris or take the whole family on the Pegasus Express, a rollercoaster full of surprises.
With themed worlds ranging from Gaul to Ancient Greece, epic shows and encounters with the legendary diehards, Parc Asterix promises a day packed with laughter and excitement.
La Mer de Sable theme park
With its spectacular backdrop of dunes and forests in the heart of the Oise, this theme park, located 3km from the château, is a must for families. Relive the conquest of the Wild West and the discovery of New Mexico through thrilling attractions such as the Sand Train, the wild rapids of Beaver River, the Mississi Track or the Marais Cage playground.
With its exotic world, cowboy and Indian-style shows, horse stunts and acrobatics, La Mer de Sable will appeal to all tribes of adventurers.
Domaine de Chaalis
Just 3km from the Château d’Ermenonville, opposite La Mer de Sable theme park, the Domaine de Chaalis is one of the jewels in the crown of the Oise. The remains of its Cistercian abbey and its superb Sainte-Marie chapel bear witness to its rich religious past.
With a park officially listed as an ‘outstanding garden’, a sublime rose garden with its intoxicating fragrances, and the Jacquemart-André Museum, which houses paintings, sculptures and objects from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the Domaine de Chaalis encapsulates nine centuries of history on a journey through heritage, art and serenity.
The Oise destination
Golf courses: Apremont and Raray (20km)
Medieval city of Senlis (13.5km)
The France Galop training centre for racehorses (21km)
The Château de Chantilly and Condé Museum (23km)
The Villepinte Exhibition Centre (30km)
Château de Compiègne and Château de Pierrefonds (43km)
Paris (53km)
