Chateau de Maintenon

Madame Scarron, born Françoise d’Aubigné, was governess to the illegitimate children of Louis XIV when, with the help of the king, she bought the Château de Maintenon in 1674. Over the years she gained the king’s trust and friendship, becoming his lover and closest companion. The property gave her new status, especially when the king addressed her publicly as Madame de Maintenon. Following the queen’s death, Madame de Maintenon became the secret wife of Louis XIV, a union that lasted 32 years until the king’s death.

Today, the Château de Maintenon remains an attractive mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. It is completely furnished and includes bedrooms, a library and chapel, all open to the public. But, Maintenon’s most famous, and perhaps most photogenic, feature is the unfinished aqueduct that runs through its grounds. A project of the Sun King’s to supply water to the many fountains of Versailles.

Madame de Maintenon was not thrilled with the mud and construction behind her home. So, Louis XIV had the marsh, which separated the house from the aqueduct, drained and turned into an elegant canal surrounded by formal gardens, all designed by Le Nôtre. With the new landscaping complete, the chateau’s rear courtyard wall was torn down and the magnificent view opened up. Louis later gave Madame de Maintenon the unfinished aqueduct as a gift, a romantic ruin to complement her garden.

Getting there

Maintenon is less than an hour’s train ride from Paris’ Gare Montparnasse.

Open

From 3 April to 30 June and 1 September to 3 October, open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., closed on Tuesday. From 1 July to 31 August, open daily from 10:30 to 19:00.

From 4 October to 12 December, open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., closed on Tuesday.

Rates:
Adult Full price - Guided tour: 8,50 € / Adult Full price - Open: 6.50 € / children 7-18 years: 3 € / free for children under 7 years

More information on www.chateaudemaintenon.fr