Can you visit the château de Raray?

The estate remains a private family property; its best-known features, such as the balustrades and main courtyard, are mainly seen from outside.

Why is the château de Raray famous?

It is known for its two monumental stone balustrades carved with dogs, stags and wild boars, a decorative scheme unique in France dating from the early 17th century.

Where is the château de Raray located?

It stands in the commune of Raray, in the Oise department, in the Hauts-de-France region.

Was the château used as a film location?

Yes, some scenes of Jean Cocteau's 1945 film Beauty and the Beast were shot there.

What is the origin of Raray's hunting balustrades?

They were most likely commissioned by lord Nicolas de Lancy between 1610 and 1620, drawing inspiration from Italian Renaissance models.

Château de Raray

Raray Castle

Raray

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Where: Raray

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Open within 20 km

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Château de Raray stands in Raray (Oise), in the Hauts-de-France region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century, 17th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

In Raray, in the Oise department, this Renaissance château owes its reputation to an unusual feature: two long stone balustrades carved with hunting dogs, stags and wild boars that frame the main courtyard. The building seen today results from several building campaigns from the 16th to the 20th century, the last major transformation taking place between 1890 and 1914. The estate has remained in the hands of the same family for generations, and its grounds were used as a filming location for Jean Cocteau's 1945 film Beauty and the Beast.

Written from Château de Raray

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What to know

The estate still belongs to the descendants of the original seigneurial family, which limits interior visits.
The carved stone balustrades around the main courtyard, unique in France, are best seen from the outside.
A golf course was laid out in the park in 1988 and now occupies part of the grounds.
The Red Gate, once used by hunters heading into the forest, is not open to visitors.
The façades, roofs and several other parts of the estate are protected as historic monuments.

Where this château is

Raray · Oise · Hauts-de-France

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

4 Rue Nicolas de Lancy, 60810 Raray

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00114826
Period of construction: 16th century, 17th century

Itineraries

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can you visit the château de Raray?: The estate remains a private family property; its best-known features, such as the balustrades and main courtyard, are mainly seen from outside.
Why is the château de Raray famous?: It is known for its two monumental stone balustrades carved with dogs, stags and wild boars, a decorative scheme unique in France dating from the early 17th century.
Where is the château de Raray located?: It stands in the commune of Raray, in the Oise department, in the Hauts-de-France region.
Was the château used as a film location?: Yes, some scenes of Jean Cocteau's 1945 film Beauty and the Beast were shot there.
What is the origin of Raray's hunting balustrades?: They were most likely commissioned by lord Nicolas de Lancy between 1610 and 1620, drawing inspiration from Italian Renaissance models.