Centre des monuments nationaux

Come and visit the Château de Maisons between Paris and Versailles near the Forest of Saint-Germain, the birthplace of horse racing in France. Discover the masterpiece of the architect François Mansart, an inspiration for the chateaux at Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles.

Visiting the Chateau de Maisons

• A manifesto of French Neo-Classical art. The building is remarkable for its symmetry, majesty, scale and harmonious interior volumes and decorations. The Vestibule and Grand Staircase, the Mirror Room, the decorated fireplaces and domed ceilings are an early embodiment of the refinement and taste for pomp that would come to characterise the 18th century.

• The history of a horse centre. A permanent exhibition and a film explain the history of Maisons-Laffitte, a major equestrian centre in France.

Understanding the Chateau de Maisons 

• A source of inspiration. The chateau was inaugurated in April 1651 in the presence of Louis XIV, then aged 12. The Sun King subsequently called upon the sculptors and decorators who had worked at Maisons to help build Versailles, as well as its architect's great-nephew, Jules Hardouin Mansart. 

• From equestrian art to horse racing. In the late 18th century the Maisons estate was acquired by the Count of Artois, the brother of Louis XVI and future Charles X. He had a passion for horses and introduced the fashion for horse racing. In the 19th century the banker Jacques Laffitte had the great park divided up, had a race track built, and encouraged race meets.