Which French château hosted the recording sessions for Elton John's album Honky Château?

Château d’Hérouville hosted the recording sessions for Elton John's album Honky Château.

The Château d’Hérouville was a residential recording studio near Pontoise, northwest of Paris. Elton John and his musicians recorded Honky Château there in 1972, using the relaxed setting and studio facilities to create one of his breakthrough albums. The location became part of the album’s identity and is reflected in its title.

The album produced important songs including “Rocket Man,” “Honky Cat” and “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.” Its recording sessions also featured musicians who formed the foundation of John’s early touring band. The album became his first number-one record on the US Billboard 200.

The château is sometimes confused with Château d’Hérouville’s later association with other rock artists, including David Bowie and Pink Floyd. It was not a Parisian concert venue or a royal palace. Its importance lies in its role as a working residential studio where several major albums were made.