Almost 150 printing presses at the Atelier-Musée de l’Imprimerie give Malesherbes a tangible cultural focal point. There is also the history of its church and château, paths along the Essonne and a direct connection to Paris. You can explore these themes independently, without having to follow a set sightseeing itinerary.
Printing history and the museum
The Atelier-Musée de l’Imprimerie is dedicated to the history of printing and printed materials, from Gutenberg to the digital revolution. Its almost 150 printing presses give this broad period a tangible technical dimension. Eight workshops offer hands-on introductions. If you would like to include one as part of your itinerary, check the current programme in advance, as the workshop programme may change. Since 2021, the museum has held the Prix Malesherbes “Le Libraire du Roi” every year during the European Heritage Days. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the dates for the relevant edition.
Château and church: different periods of history
The Château de Malesherbes is set in a wooded park of around 100 hectares. Its main building was constructed between 1718 and 1724 by Pierre Vigné de Vigny. The Church of Saint-Martin de Malesherbes was rebuilt after the Hundred Years’ War and dedicated to Saint Martin in 1540. The church houses a depiction of the Entombment of Christ with eight life-size figures; it was commissioned from Adrien Wincart in 1495. There is also the cenotaph for Monsieur de Malesherbes: a white marble bust by Dumont, which Louis XVIII gave to the people of Malesherbes in 1822. These points of reference span different periods: the Entombment was commissioned in 1495, the church was dedicated in 1540, and the château’s main building was constructed between 1718 and 1724.
The Essonne and its paths
The Marais du Château de Malesherbes is a municipal wetland on the left bank of the Essonne, covering around 4.5 hectares. The area is being ecologically restored; access conditions may vary. The paths offer different perspectives: the GR32 long-distance hiking trail follows the Essonne from its source to Malesherbes. The Doudemont Valley, a green corridor, has a fitness trail and a children’s playground. Check trail conditions before setting out; facilities in the valley may change. The château’s wooded park covers around 100 hectares, compared with the Marais’s approximately 4.5 hectares.
Getting there and finding accommodation
RER line D connects Malesherbes directly to Paris. REMI buses run from Montargis and Pithiviers to Malesherbes. Rail and bus therefore offer different travel options; the right connection for you will also depend on your starting point. Check the timetables for your travel date, as connections and times may change.
Discover more destinations: Pithiviers, Saint-Jean-Le-Blanc, Châlette-Sur-Loing, Corbeilles, Saint-Florent, Épieds-En-Beauce, Combreux, Augerville-La-Rivière.
For the broader travel overview: Loiret.
