Home > Paris Attractions > Paris Art Galleries > Abbaye Royale De Chaalis - Museum Jacquemart Andre

Surrounded by lush woodland the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis is a magnificent château to the north of Paris. This former abbey was converted into a château in the 18th century when it became the home of the fabulously wealthy art collector Nélie Jacquemart-André.

Mrs. Jacquemart-André was the widow of a rich banker and upon his death she devoted the fortune he had left and the remaining years of her life to purchasing great art.

When Mrs. Jacquemart-André herself died in 1912 the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis was given to the Institut de France. The art collection and wonderful interiors remain and the castle is now a museum - known as Musée Jacquemart André - containing over 6000 pieces of art, furniture, manuscripts and paintings including work by Giotto, Houdon and Boucher.

There is tremendous variety within the interior of the Musée Jacquemart André with styles ranging from the Renaissance to the 18th century.

The Abbaye Royale de Chaalis has particularly fine gardens and surrounding countryside. A stroll through the grounds reveals a rose garden, an Orangery and a beautiful old stable.

The great philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau died nearby and subsequently many of his personal belongings are on display alongside the collection of André.

A visit to the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis - Musée Jacquemart André is a rare chance to see this old-style dream house. With the Paris Pass you can see it all!