Immerse yourself in the refined world of the Comte d'Artois, the future Charles X, with a new exhibition at the Château de Maisons-Laffitte, from November 14, 2025 to March 2, 2026. This exhibition, the fruit of a partnership with the Château de Versailles and prestigious cultural institutions, features over 120 works revealing the personality, tastes and patronage of the estate's last owner under theAncien Régime.
The exhibition Le Comte d'Artois, prince et mécène looks back at the life of Louis XVI's younger brother, from his birth to his exile in 1789. Paintings, graphic arts, sculptures, furniture, objets d'art, books and curiosities make up a rich and varied itinerary that sheds light on the intimacy and political role of the future monarch. The prince's acquisition of the château in 1777 and his grandiose plans to turn it into a residence in his own image occupy a central place in this narrative.
The museum tour features exceptional loans from the Château de Versailles and other major French institutions. Visitors discover the aesthetic universe and ambitions of a man who, before becoming king, was a great lover of the arts and an active supporter of creativity.
One of the highlights of theexhibition is the Count d'Artois' patronage of the arts. We discover his aesthetic choices, his passions, but also his ambitions to transform the Château de Maisons into a residence worthy of his rank. This common thread highlights the importance of the prince's role in the circulation of the arts and the preservation of a certain French taste.
Theexhibition is enhanced by guided tours led by a qualified tour guide, who provides historical and artistic insights. This format allows the works to be placed in context, and the role of the Comte d'Artois in the history of the French monarchy to be better understood.
Here you can follow the story of the last king of France, from his youth to the discovery of his plans for his home, to the exile that took him across Europe. Each room and each piece on display becomes a milestone in this singular history.
This cultural event will appeal to French history buffs, heritage enthusiasts and those curious to better understand the great figures of theAncien Régime. The guided tour is ideal for an outing with culture-loving friends, a family outing with teenagers interested in history, or a cultural rendez-vous for two.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a fun activity for young children, or a light, fast-paced event, this experience is not for you, as it requires real attention and interest in the historical and artistic context.
This guided tour is much more than just an exhibition: it's a sensitive, well-documented reconstruction of the youth of France's last king, a period marked by artistic refinement, power plays and personal ambitions. Through the objects on display, the reconstructions and the anecdotes shared by your guide, you'll be immersed in the refined and strategic world of a prince-patron, at once aesthete, ambitious and a player in his time.
The meticulous scenography, combined with the richness of the collections, allows visitors to explore a variety of aspects: court life, architecture, artistic taste in the 18th century, but also the beginnings of the revolutionary upheavals. Located on the outskirts of Paris, the Château de Maisons is also easily accessible by public transport, making it the perfect destination for a half-day cultural getaway in an elegant setting steeped in history. Get ready to cross the centuries, explore the corridors of power and rediscover a prince with a royal destiny.
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Dates and Opening Time
From November 14, 2025 to March 2, 2026
Location
Le Château de Maisons
2 Avenue Carnot
78600 Maisons Laffitte
Access
RER: line A, Maisons-Laffitte station
SNCF: train from Saint-Lazare
Prices
Moins de 26 ans: Free
L'entrée: €9
Official website
www.chateau-maisons.fr
Booking
Check the prices of this ticketing service
More information
Open Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm.
