Château de Pierrefonds: Fast Track Ticket

Knights on white horses, swashbuckling invaders and a creaking drawbridge, you can imagine it all in action here at Château de Pierrefonds. But this ex-imperial residence for Napoleon III was actually redesigned in the style of the Middle Ages, just for him!

Wander the creation of Napoleon III's imagination, just outside of Paris. Of course, he had a little help from his architect, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in bringing this medieval fantasy to his French country home.

See the intricately painted and sculpted decors, which look like they're straight from an enchanted forest. Think half-pelican, half-frog creatures. And angels.

Imagine its defensive system and drawbridge in action as you stroll along the stone walkways, and witness two reconstructions of medieval siege engines.

There are even tombs in the basement!