Exceptional places / Castles / Chateau de Maintenon

Chateau de Maintenon

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Centre-Val-de-Loire

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Chateau de Maintenon

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reviews 4.5 (2 avis)

About Chateau de Maintenon

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Nestled in the heart of a verdant valley, the Château de Maintenon is a masterpiece of balance, famous for having been the home of Françoise d’Aubigné, the future Marquise de Maintenon and secret wife of Louis XIV. This monument immediately captivates with its refined architecture, blending medieval towers and Renaissance façades, all surrounded by a water-filled moat. The highlight lies in its formal French gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, which offer a spectacular view of the ruins of Vauban's aqueduct. This colossal structure, built to supply water to Versailles, lends the site a romantic and unique atmosphere, unlike any other in France. Film buffs will also be delighted: this theatrical setting has served as the backdrop for numerous film shoots. Those with a touch of nostalgia will remember Jean-Paul Belmondo performing his famous stunts for the film *Le Professionnel* at the foot of these majestic arches. Between its richly furnished apartments, flowerbeds and royal heritage, Maintenon is an essential stop for anyone wishing to discover the French art of living, just an hour from Paris.

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

For a truly clever visit to the Château de Maintenon, don't just stay inside: head straight to the far end of the park to admire the remains of Louis XIV's aqueduct. The trick is to take the path that runs alongside the Canal de l'Eure; this is where you'll enjoy the most spectacular view, where the colossal arches seem to rise from the water. For a complete immersion into the private world of Madame de Maintenon, pay particular attention to the small dressing rooms and hidden passageways in the apartments: they reveal the incredible social ascent of the woman who was the secret wife of the Sun King. Finally, cross the formal French garden designed by Le Nôtre to reach the aqueduct bridge: it's the perfect spot for a photo without the crowds, capturing both the refinement of the château and the sheer scale of the royal engineering.

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Louis XIV had a giant aqueduct built in the park of his favorite's castle to bring water from the Eure to Versailles.
LOUIX XIV

The stories of your visits

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igaillard

2026-01-27

star star star star star

"Le château est vraiment magnifique, surtout avec l'aqueduc (le fameux viaduc) en ruine au fond du jardin qui donne un côté hyper romantique aux photos. L'intérieur est joli et bien meublé, on sent bien l'histoire de Madame de Maintenon. Les jardins à la française sont super bien entretenus. Par contre, c'est vrai qu'une fois la visite finie, on a vite fait le tour. À part la place juste devant avec quelques restos, il n'y a pas grand-chose à faire ou à voir dans "

Mickael

2025-04-18

star star star star star

"Un véritable coup de cœur ! Ce château est un bijou d'élégance et d'histoire, rendu célèbre par la marquise de Maintenon. L'architecture est sublime et les jardins dessinés par Le Nôtre, avec les ruines majestueuses de l'aqueduc de Vauban en toile de fond, offrent un décor cinématographique unique. D'ailleurs, les fans de Jean-Paul Belmondo reconnaîtront immédiatement le site où il a réalisé ses prouesses légendaires dans le film Le Professionnel. Entre cascades historiques et beauté classique, "

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