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Origin and history

The Château de Maisons-Laffitte, located in the Yvelines, is an emblematic monument of 17th century civil architecture. Sponsored by René de Longeuil, President of the Paris Parliament, it is attributed to François Mansart, although no document formally confirms this paternity. The castle marks the transition from late Renaissance to classicism, inspired by the works of Pierre Lescot and Philibert Delorme. It was inaugurated in 1651 in the presence of Louis XIV and d.

The family of Longeuil, linked to the castle since the 14th century, regularly received Kings Louis XIII and Louis XIV for hunting and sumptuous festivals. René de Longuil, Superintendent of Finance, held a great reception there, such as the one in 1671 where Louis XIV spent the night. After his death in 1677, the estate remained in the family until the 18th century, despite a fire in 1723 which destroyed some of the decorations, including the room occupied by Voltaire.

In the 18th century, the castle changed hands several times. The Count of Artois, future Charles X, acquired in 1777 and undertook internal transformations, interrupted in 1784. During the Revolution, the estate was seized as a national property and sold in 1798. In the 19th century, Marshal Lannes, then banker Jacques Laffitte, became owners. The latter split the park and destroyed the stables, before the state bought the castle back in 1905 to preserve it.

Ranked a historic monument in 1914, the castle is now managed by the National Monuments Centre. Its architecture, with its suspended staircase of honor and royal apartments, bears witness to Mansart's genius. The former vast estate has been reduced, but retains remains such as the wall of enclosure and the stable cave. It still inspires, as evidenced by its Chinese replica built in 2004.

The castle houses four large apartments, including those of the king and queen, richly decorated with sculptures and paintings. The small apartments, such as Voltaire or La Fayette, remind the illustrious visitors of the place. The honour staircase, with its angelots symbolizing the arts, and the vestibule, adorned with elements borrowed from Michelangelo, are central parts of the decor.

Symbol of French classicism, the Château de Maisons-Laffitte influences later achievements such as Vaux-le-Vicomte or Versailles. Its history, linked to the nobility of dress and the monarchy, makes it an exceptional testimony of art and society of the Great Century.

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