Château de Maisons (Château de Maisons-Laffitte)
2 Ave. Carnot, Maisons-Laffitte, Île-de-France, 78600
Château de Maisons, also known as the Château de Maisons-Laffitte, enjoys a picturesque location near the Seine, just northwest of central Paris. Commissioned by René de Longueil in the 17th century and designed by celebrated architect François Mansart, the elegant château is a superb example of classical French architecture.
The Basics
Inaugurated by King Louis XIV in 1651, the Château de Maisons is often considered an inspiration for Versailles; some of the same artisans were even commissioned to build both palaces. Later inherited by King Charles X, the château was at risk of demolition before the French state intervened to protect it in 1905. Today, the Château de Maisons is renowned as an important architectural landmark. Its highlights include the cabinet of mirrors; the grand entrance hall and staircase; and numerous paintings, tapestries, and other artworks.
The Château de Maisons is conveniently included in the Paris Pass hop-on hop-off tour bus scheme, and is close enough to the city to visit on a hassle-free day trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
Free audio guides are available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Dutch.
Several guided tour itineraries of the château are available, and are designed to show visitors areas that are typically off-limits to the public.
The Château de Maisons is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchair users or other visitors with limited mobility.
How to Get There
To reach the Château de Maisons via public transportation, take SNCF trains or the RER Line A to Maisons-Laffitte station; from there, it is a 10-minute walk to the château. The landmark can also be reached by car via the D308.
When to Get There
The Château de Maisons is open every day except Tuesday. From mid-September to mid-May, it’s open from 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm. From mid-May to mid-September, it’s open from 10am–12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm.
Famous Visitors
In addition to several kings, the Château de Maisons has hosted luminaries ranging from Cardinal Mazarin and Voltaire to the Marquis de Lafayette.
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