Just 3km south of the town you will find all that is left of what was chateau de Chanteloup – the Pagode de Chanteloup – sitting over 40mtrs high on its isolated location it looks misplaced (its actually the chateau that’s missing!). Shades of Versailles and its beautiful overindulgences here as the area and forest were the gardens of what must have been a very grand chateau, though you don’t really appreciate it today. In the small museum housed in the "Concierge's Lodge" there is display of the history of Chanteloup with its pagoda, up to its  destruction in 1823.

After you purchase your ticket(6.90 €), you walk down the long path that leads to the pagoda. You are directed through the gift shop and out into a medieval games area where you'll find games such as “le labyrinthe vertical” and le “jeux de croquet” these will amuse only small children we feel. You could also rent a small boat to paddle around in the lake surrounding the pagoda (€4 for half and hour and €6 for an hour. You can make the climb to take in the views from the top of the pagoda which are pretty outstanding, that is if you can make it up there. It is about 150 steps to the top and it feels a little bit rickety on the terraces, if you have any fear of heights at all, then this is not recommended. From the top you can see how the grounds are intricately laid out with wide promenades and a beautiful half-moon lake.

Your admission also allows you to picnic (very generous) by the lake and perhaps take to the water. You can purchase a made up picnic of local produce (10 €)  or take your own. Seating and cover/shade are provided.

 If you have time, take it in but its one that could be saved for a future visit.

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