Château de Maisons-Laffitte, Maisons-Laffitte

A 17th-century French classical château designed by François Mansart between 1630 and 1651, considered the prototype of the "château à la française" that directly influenced both Vaux-le-Vicomte and the Palace of Versailles. The building was commissioned by René de Longueil, President of the Paris Parliament, and later housed figures including Voltaire and Napoleonic Marshal Lannes. Visitors can explore the grand vestibule with its golden columns, an innovative central spiral staircase, the King's Apartment prepared for Louis XIV, the Eagles Apartment decorated in Empire style, and Voltaire's personal quarters.