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Castle · Maisons-Laffitte, Île-de-France
Château de Maisons
Château built by François Mansart for René de Longueil and inaugurated in 1651, with the presence of the young Louis XIV. Considered one of the models of French classical architecture, preceding Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Château de Maisons
The Château de Maisons was commissioned around 1630 by René de Longueil, president of the Parlement of Paris, to architect François Mansart. The work was completed in 1651 and inaugurated in the presence of Louis XIV, still a child, and the regent Anne of Austria. It is one of the few Mansart buildings to survive intact, with much of its original interior decoration preserved.
The building stands on a platform surrounded by a dry moat and combines the three classical orders stacked on the façades: Doric on the ground floor, Ionic on the main floor, and Corinthian higher up. Inside, the vestibule with sculptures and the large open staircase—without enclosing walls—were among the period’s innovations. Historians view Maisons as a precursor to Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles.
The estate passed through several owners. At the end of the 18th century it belonged to the Comte d’Artois, brother of Louis XVI; in the early 19th century it belonged to Marshal Lannes. In 1818 it was bought by banker Jacques Laffitte, who parceled out the large park and demolished the stables to finance the operation. The State purchased the château in 1905 to save it from demolition.
Today the château is managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux and open to visitors, with furnished rooms, the king’s and queen’s apartments, and temporary exhibitions.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour and a half for the interior and façades.
Best time
In the morning, just after opening, when there are fewer visitors. Opening hours vary with the season and the château is closed some days of the week and on public holidays; check before you go.
How to get there
It is on avenue Carnot, about a 10-minute walk from Maisons-Laffitte station (RER A and Transilien L).
Tip
After your visit, walk to the Seine side to see the garden façade and then follow the avenue that leads into the park: the axis of the avenues starts at the château.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château de Maisons
Who built the Château de Maisons?
The architect François Mansart, at the request of René de Longueil, president of the Parlement of Paris. Construction began around 1630 and was completed in 1651.
Why is the Château de Maisons important?
It is one of Mansart’s most complete works to survive to the present day and is seen as a precursor to Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles, with façades of superimposed classical orders and an open staircase that was innovative for its time.
Who manages the Château de Maisons?
The Centre des monuments nationaux, a public body that cares for French state monuments. The château has belonged to the State since 1905.