🏰 The castle in French Chanson｜Château de Maintenon

#5月好去地方2025

Located in Eure-et-Loir, France, Château de Maintenon is only about an hour's drive from Paris. It is an elegant castle that combines medieval defensive ruins with the luxurious style of the Louis XIV era. It was once the residence of Madame de Maintenon, Louis XIV's mistress and later his secret wife, and thus became famous.

🌟 Highlights
1. The beauty of mixed-style architecture
The castle was originally a medieval fortress, and was later converted into an elegant and gorgeous residence in the 17th century. Red bricks and stones are intertwined, and towers, moats and exquisite gardens create a romantic atmosphere.

2. Madonna de Maintenon's residence
This important woman in the court lived in seclusion here in her later years. Her study and living space are still preserved in the castle, showing the exquisite lifestyle of that era.

3. Aqueduct (Aqueduc de Maintenon) ruins
Behind the castle garden stands an unfinished magnificent aqueduct, which was originally an important project for Louis XIV to build the Versailles water supply system. It is intertwined with the garden landscape and is an excellent background for taking photos.

4. Le Notre-style French Garden
Planned by the students of Le Notre, the designer of the Versailles Garden, the neatly symmetrical boulevards, pools and geometric flower beds reflect the beauty of French court gardening.

🚗 Transportation
Self-driving: It takes about 1 hour from Paris, suitable for a half-day or one-day trip.

Train: Take the train from Paris Gare Montparnasse Station to Maintenon Station for about 1 hour, and you can walk to the castle.

⏰ Opening hours (varies with the season)
Spring and summer: open daily, generally 10:00 – 18:00

Autumn and winter: some months are open only on weekends, it is recommended to check the official website for updates in advance

🎟 Ticket reference (2025)
Adults about €9

Free admission for children under 18

You can choose a guided tour ticket, a gardening ticket or a combined tour package

✨ Recommended itinerary combination
Can be combined with the following attractions for a day trip:

Chartres Cathedral: World Heritage Gothic architecture

Rambouillet Forest and Hunting Palace: Combination of nature and royal heritage