THE CHÂTEAU OF MAINTENON: THE iconic castle of madame de maintenon
Discover the Château of Maintenon, a historical treasure near Chartres and nestled in the heart of the Eure Valley. This iconic castle was the home of Madame de Maintenon, Louis XIV’s secret wife, and the backdrop to their unique love story. The château’s sophisticated architecture and elegant gardens will transport you to an era of secrets, splendour and fascinating tales. Stroll through the French formal gardens, explore the majestic rooms and succumb to the timeless charm of this unique setting, a genuine testament to France’s royal past.
DISCOVER THE CHÂTEAU OF maintenon
800 YEARS OF HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
The Château of Maintenon has witnessed eight hundred years of history, and evolved over time from a defensive fortress to an elegant aristocratic dwelling. While the first changes date from the 16th century, under the initiative of Jean Cottereau, it was Madame de Maintenon in the 17th century, with the support of Louis XIV, who shaped the château as we know it today. With the intention of supplying water to the fountains of Versailles, the King launched the building of the Maintenon aqueduct, a bold engineering feat which still marks the landscape. The 19th century saw the arrival of the Duke of Noailles, who set about modernising the edifice. Following the damage caused by the Second World War, the estate was restored by the Raindre family, the descendants of the Noailles.
MADAME DE MAINTENON, LOUIS XIV’S SECRET WIFE
Françoise d’Aubigné was born in 1635 in Niort prison, where her father was being held. On his release, the family left for Martinique, but her father’s fortune was soon squandered. On her return to France as a pauper, she met the poet Paul Scarron, who was older than her, and married him in 1652. When he died in 1660, she became a penniless widow. Nine years later, Madame de Montespan employed her as governess to King Louis XIV’s illegitimate children. With the help of the King, she acquired the Maintenon estate in 1674, and thus became Madame de Maintenon. She gradually grew closer to the King, and in 1683, a few months after the death of the queen, they married in secret at the chapel of Versailles Palace. Louis XIV died in 1715, and Madame de Maintenon retired to Saint-Cyr, where she died in 1719.
THE PRIVATE LIVES OF THE CHATEAU’S ILLUSTRIOUS RESIDENTS
Explore the magnificent interiors of the Château of Maintenon. As soon as you step inside, you’ll fall for the elegant charm of the 17th-century apartments where Madame de Maintenon lived, succeeded later by Marshal Adrien-Maurice de Noailles. These carefully-restored rooms with their elegant furniture and original decors will transport you back to the age of the Sun King.
Continue your visit with the discovery of the small 19th-century apartments, designed by Duke Paul de Noailles and his wife Alicia de Rochechouart de Mortemart. Each room has a story to tell, from family memories to the artistic influences of the time. Don’t miss the King’s room, Louis XIV’s former bedroom, where the royal atmosphere still reigns.
The Grand Gallery, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, then invites you to meet the iconic figures who shaped the château’s history. Admire the portraits and enjoy the fascinating stories of these illustrious figures.
THE ICONIC VAUBAN AQUEDUCT
The construction of the Maintenon aqueduct, commissioned by Louis XIV to supply Eure River water to Versailles, began in 1685 under the management of Vauban. Inspired by the Gard bridge, this ambitious project planned for 80km of pipeline, but works were hindered by the war and the project was suspended after 51km, leaving the aqueduct unfinished. To compensate for the damage caused to the park, Louis XIV transferred ownership of the edifice to Madame de Maintenon and bestowed upon her the title of Marquess. The ruins of this aqueduct lend a romantic charm to the present-day site.
A STROLL THROUGH THE GARDENS OF CHÂTEAU DE MAINTENON
After a visit to the château, enjoy a break in the bucolic atmosphere of its gardens. Designed by Louis XIV’s gardener, Le Nôtre, the gardens offer a subtle play of perspectives, where the elegance of French formal flowerbeds dialogue with the immensity of the King’s ambitious aqueduct. Planted embroideries, geometric pathways and ponds compose this magnificent decor.
The atmosphere is not limited to classical rigour, however. As you walk further, the landscape softens into shady groves and spellbinding rose gardens, calling you to slow your step. History converses with nature in perfect harmony here. Pausing on a bench or strolling leisurely along the pathways, every corner of the Château de Maintenon’s gardens and park offer a new perspective, a suspended moment in time.
FAQ
Where can I park in the Château of Maintenon?
There are several car parks in the vicinity of the château: Cipière car park (5 minutes on foot) and the Stade car park (10 minutes by foot). The Château of Maintenon is a 20-minute walk from the train station.
Are there catering facilities at the Château of Maintenon?
Visitors can eat outdoors at the picnic area.
What is the best way to book a visit to the Château of Maintenon?
Save time and plan your visit to the Château of Maintenon by booking your admission ticket below!
