Nemours Estate, The Atlantic Coastal Plain Travel Guide

4.8 (882)

Experience French elegance and early 20th-century grandeur at Nemours Estate, featuring a stunning mansion, gardens, and vintage car collection.

Nemours Estate, built by Alfred I. du Pont in the early 20th century, is a stunning 200-acre estate featuring a French neoclassical mansion, elaborate formal gardens, and a chauffeur's garage with vintage automobiles. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, it offers a unique blend of French architecture and American innovation.

A brief summary to Nemours Estate

1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, Delaware, 19803, US
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Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nemours Estate.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking both inside the mansion and throughout the extensive gardens.
Visit between April and October to enjoy the guided walking tours and shuttle garden tours.
Photography is permitted in the gardens, but tripods and other equipment are not allowed inside the mansion.
Picnics are allowed on the grounds, so bring a blanket and enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful scenery.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Nemours Estate on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Nemours Estate, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

If driving from Wilmington, head west on Market Street (US-13) until you reach I-95 S. Merge onto I-95 S and continue for approximately 3 miles. Take exit 7A for DE-202 N toward Concord Pike. After about 2 miles, take the exit for DE-92 E towards Rockland and merge onto Rockland Rd. The Nemours Estate will be on your left at 1600 Rockland Rd. Parking is free.
Public Transport

From the Wilmington Transit Center, take the DART First State bus Route 11 towards Brandywine Town Center. Get off at the stop near the intersection of Rockland Rd and I-95. From there, it is approximately a 15-minute walk north on Rockland Rd to Nemours Estate. Check the DART First State website for current bus schedules and fares. A single ride fare is $2.
Taxi/Rideshare

Use a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft from Wilmington. Enter 'Nemours Estate, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803' as your destination. The cost typically ranges from $10 to $30 depending on traffic and distance.

Discover more about Nemours Estate

Nemours Estate, located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a breathtaking example of early 20th-century opulence and French-inspired design. Built between 1909 and 1910 by Alfred I. du Pont as a gift for his second wife, Alicia, the estate is named after the French town of Nemours, connecting it to the du Pont family's ancestral roots. The mansion was designed by Carrère and Hastings, the same firm that designed the Frick Museum and the New York Public Library, in the Louis XVI style of French architecture.The 77-room mansion spans nearly 47,000 square feet and is filled with rare 18th-century French furniture, notable antiques, and an impressive collection of art and tapestries. Among the highlights are a Louis XVI musical clock and another clock made for Marie Antoinette. Visitors can explore three floors of the mansion, including seven bedrooms, a bowling alley, and a dining room.The formal gardens at Nemours Estate are considered among the grandest in the United States, inspired by the gardens of the Petit Trianon at Versailles. The gardens feature a one-acre reflecting pool, numerous fountains, sculptures, and the Temple of Love, which houses a statue of Diana sculpted by Jean-Antoine Houdon. The Long Walk connects the pool to the mansion, offering a stunning vista.In addition to the mansion and gardens, visitors can explore the Chauffeur's Garage, which houses a collection of vintage automobiles. The estate also features woodland trails for hiking and exploring natural springs.Nemours Estate underwent a significant restoration from 2005 to 2008, ensuring the preservation of its historical and artistic treasures. Today, the estate is open to the public, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the du Pont family and their appreciation for French culture and design.