French newspaper Le Figaro has featured Romania's Peles Castle in Sinaia in an article on the old summer residences of European monarchies. Le Figaro's article picks out five European palaces that are open to the public to mark the coronation of the new king in The Netherlands.

Peles Castle was the summer residence of Romania's last king, Michael I, until 1947, and according to Le Figaro, the Sinaia resort was “ultra chic” in the days when Romania's royal family spent summers at Peles. The french newspaper is enthusiastic about the castle's unique architecture and stunning location. Describing the building as a “troubadour masterpiece” and as a possible inspiration for Walt Disney, the Le Figaro article goes on to say that the interior of the Peles palace “doesn't disappoint.”

Full of fantasy and “a marvel of complexity” says Le Figaro of Peles' dark wood interiors and the reviewers were left “speechless” by the castle's celebrated spiral staircase and carved wood paneled reception rooms.

The surrounding area is highly rated as a beautiful location for walks, with the forests and mountain scenery in the background.

Overall, Le Figaro gives Peles Castle a “bravo” for being a “très spectaculaire” location. The only drawback, according to Le Figaro, is the lack of accommodation nearby.

Le Figaro also features Gödollö Palace in Hungary, Osborne House in the UK, Miramar Castle in Trieste, Italy and Pena Castle, Portugal, among its recommendations for old European royal summer residences to visit.

The castle was built between 1873 and 1883 as a summer residence for King Carol I of Romania (1839 – 1914), who had been enchanted by the area during a visit in 1866. German architect Johannes Schultz designed the palatial alpine villa and combined various features of European architectural styles. After work was completed, an inaugural ball was held at the castle on October 7, 1883. The new royal palace quickly made the area highly fashionable and the resort town of Sinaia was soon built nearby.

Read the Le Figaro article (in French).

Find out more on visiting Peles Castle and its history on Romania Insider.

editor@romania-insider.com