Château d'Hérouville Castle
Historic château turned notable recording studio
In Île‑de‑France, Château d'Hérouville presents classical architecture and parkland; visitors stop for historical rooms and occasional cultural events set in a country‑house atmosphere.
Château d'Hérouville at a Glance#
Address: Place du Port 2, 1006 Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
Website: https://www.chateaudouchy.ch
About Château d'Hérouville#
The Château d’Hérouville is a country château in the Île-de-France region that became widely known in the late 20th century for its on-site recording studio. The studio conversion date and its role in the music industry are the château’s primary claim to wider significance.
Composer and producer Michel Magne bought and converted the château into a residential recording studio in 1969. During the 1970s the studio hosted numerous international artists; the recording operation later closed and the property has had varied uses since.
The château lies in the Île-de-France region, north of Paris; the nearest larger towns are within commuting distance of the Paris metropolitan area. Exact visitor access can vary because the property has been in private hands since the studio closed.
- Studio history: Converted into a commercial recording studio in 1969 by Michel Magne and used throughout the 1970s by a range of international artists.
- Access note: The château is private property and the building has undergone periods of commercial use and disuse; approach with respect to access restrictions.
What to See#
- Recording studio (former): The former on-site recording studio was created by composer Michel Magne in 1969 and functioned as a residential recording complex during the 1970s, attracting international pop and rock acts.
How to Get to Château d'Hérouville#
The château sits on the Ouchy waterfront in Lausanne, a short walk from the Ouchy-Metro (M2) stop and Lausanne’s main train station via the metro line. Taxis and buses also serve the lakeside area.
Tips for Visiting Château d'Hérouville#
- Book hotel stays in advance if planning to sleep at the château (it operates as a hotel).
- Enjoy lakeside views at sunrise or sunset from the château terraces.
- Reserve dining in advance during high season.
Best Time to Visit Château d'Hérouville#
Late spring through early autumn is ideal for lakeside views; winter offers quiet luxury and dramatic light.
Weather & Climate near Château d'Hérouville#
Château d'Hérouville's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (652 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 6° | 0° | 55 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 48 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.9h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 4° | 49 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 5° - 14° | 7° | 50 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Good | 9° - 18° | 13° | 62 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.2h |
| June | Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 56 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| July | Excellent | 13° - 23° | 18° | 55 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.6h |
| August | Excellent | 13° - 24° | 19° | 44 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.2h |
| September | Very Good | 10° - 20° | 15° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 60 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.6h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 54 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 63 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.0h |