Follow the footsteps of Empress Sissi from Sassetot-le-Mauconduit to Vienna

In the Pays de Caux region, you can live the château experience in the footsteps of Empress Sissi. The small township of Sassetot-le-Mauconduit is the setting of a charming 18th century homestead where the memories of Elisabeth II of Austria still linger everywhere. This excellent rider enjoyed galoping between the trees of the park and sunbathing on the Grandes Dalles beach.

Sassetot-le-Mauconduit, in the memory of Sissi

Part of the inventory of Historical Monuments, this landmark was transformed into a charming hotel-restaurant, with the label Châteaux & Hôtels Collections dear to Alain Ducasse, and its cuisine revisits the regional culinary classics with success. As for the rooms, be sure to reserve the Elisabeth suite for its comfort, its panoramic view and whirlpool bathtub…

Seen from above by helicopter, the château appears nestled at the heart of a luxurious park. © DR

If the rooms of the château could speak out, they would recall the daily life of an empress… © DR

At the restaurant, request to be seated under the life-size portrait of the lovely Sissi ! © DR

In the palace of the Habsburg dynasty

Rediscover this unique character in the splendor of the Schönbrunn palace where she resided, between two far-flung travels. This liberated woman, whose life was featured on the silverscreen by actress Romy Schneider, is the object of never equaled admiration. Objects, clothing, furniture, hand-wirtten letters, her saga mingles with the legend to become the most beautiful love story.

The grand tour of Viennese institutions

After this cultural immersion during which you will admire flamboyant reception rooms, rococo galeries, Chinese salons, secret cabinets and beautiful garden, venture out to discover the capital, starting with the Saint-Etienne cathedral, where you will find unsuspected treasures. Make a first stopover at Café Mozart, then the Demel pastry shop to savor a traditional Linzertorte, without forgetting that Vienna is also the capital of Swarovski…

The intricate Grand Parterre flowerbeds of the Schönbrunn palace are the premices to its interior refinement. © DR

It's in the very small bed of this huge room that the most famous woman of her era slept. © DR

To recover from your emotions, make a bee line for Café Gloriette. Their brunch is very generous, and the view is magical ! © DR