Beauty and the Beast at the Château de Raray

Once more, we follow in the footsteps of Jean Cocteau as we explore the Château de Raray, which served as the backdrop for his adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’.”

Chateau de Raray manor-house and dovecote
Manor-house and dovecote

This timeless folktale, with its origins dating back to the 2nd century AD, has been adapted numerous times for cinema, theater, and television.

Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve was the first to modernize the tale in France, publishing it in a collection of tales in 1740. Most subsequent versions are based on hers. However, Disney Studios’ animated film released in 1991 drew inspiration from the version by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, published in 1757.

At its core, the tale’s timeless theme emphasizes true love, which transcends physical appearance and teaches the valuable lesson of not judging based on outward appearances.

Château de Raray, a gem of Classical architecture

The Château de Raray is nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Raray, within the Pays de Valois region and the Oise-Pays de France Regional Natural Park. This historic site offers an idyllic retreat for aficionados of folklore and Classical architecture.

Chateau de Raray - Balustrades detail architecture
balustrades detail architecture

Dating back to the 12th century, the castle was listed Historical Monument in 1924, despite enduring damage during the tumultuous events of the 20th century world wars. However, even the ravages of time couldn’t diminish the beauty of this remarkable edifice, particularly for the renowned playwright Jean Cocteau, who first came across it in 1945. Inspired by its elegant Classical design, which replaced the early 16th century Renaissance castle, Cocteau selected the Château de Raray as the backdrop for all the exterior scenes of his iconic film, La Belle et la Bête.

One of the most striking architectural features of the castle is its two extensive monumental balustrades, that adorn the north and south sides of the grand courtyard. Renowned as unique marvels in France, these balustrades have also been listed Historical Monuments.

The Château de Raray boasts an array of architectural features, including sculptures adorning its facades, believed to be crafted by skilled Florentine artists and inspired by themes of hunting, antiquity, and Italian artistry.

Chateau de Raray - Portico
One of the Renaissance porticoes

The estate is also surrounded by a fortified wall featuring four turrets and a watchtower, along with the iconic Porte Rouge, which provides access to the verdant forest beyond. The old stables, steeped in history, stand as enduring reminders of the castle’s past, adding to its charm and allure.

The estate includes also the farmstead, complete with a 16th-century manor-house and a picturesque dovecote, both listed landmarks in 1949. The Gothic St. Nicolas Church was recognized as a historical monument in 1921, while the old rectory, now serving as Raray village hall, received its listing in 1988.

Today, the Château de Raray has been transformed into a prestigious hotel-restaurant, offering guests a luxurious retreat amidst its historic surroundings. The expansive wooded grounds have been thoughtfully repurposed into an exquisite 18-hole golf course, providing visitors with a unique blend of relaxation, culture, and leisure activities.

Chateau de Raray outbuildings with the listed watchtower
Outbuildings with the listed watchtower

How to get to the Château de Raray?

Department of Oise – 4 rue Nicolas de Lancy – Raray 60810
Coordinates: Lat 49.260182 – Long 2.712229

Raray is located 52kms north of Paris and 12kms from Senlis

By car: A1 Exit 8 (Senlis-Creil-Crépy-en-Valois), continue on D1330, exit right on D932A towards Compiègne-Senlis Centre- Chamant, exit right on D26 to Raray and follow the road signs for the chateau

By train – SNCF-TER from Gare du Nord: Raray has no station. You’ll need to get off at Crépy-en-Valois (16 km), Compiègne (23 km), Creil (23 km) or Chantilly (25 km) and pre-book a taxi.

By plane: Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (40kms)

Another superb example of Classical architecture: Château de Cheverny, which the cartoonist Hergé chose as a model for Captain Haddock’s Chateau de Moulinsart in his Tintin book series

Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Outbuilding and watchtower and Detail balustrades by Pierre Poschadel CC BY-SA 4.0Manor-house and dovecote and North balustrade and General view castle-Header by P.poschadel CC BY-SA 2.0 fr

Paris – Ile De France – Latest content