JEMA 2025: meeting with master craftsmen at Château de Maisons (78)

At the edge of the forest of Saint-Germain en Laye nestles a wealthy residence: the Château de Maisons-Laffitte . At the request of magistrate Jean René de Longueil, it was built by François Mansart in a strategic location, on the road leading the king from the Château du Louvre to Saint-Germain en Laye. There's even a wing reserved for him, should he wish to take a break there, with a ballroom designed for the young Louis XIV and a bedroom with an interlocking domed ceiling.

Inaugurated in 1651, it has witnessed the passage of almost 300 years of history and exceptional craftsmen, whose skills are today safeguarded, to be discovered in particular during the Journées Européennes des Métiers d'Art, the springtime event that enables the public to meet the craftsmen and observe their creations over the centuries. On April 6, 2025, a program open to all will highlight a dozen of them, who will share their passion with the public, at the heart of France's heritage.

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The JEMA 2025 program

• Meet local master artists
  Sunday, April 6, 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-5pm
  From age 7 - Admission fee

The event will showcase the skills of 10 craftsmen in the château. Each will have its own stand to present its techniques and display its creations. Specially designed areas of the château will host these demonstrations, offering an immersive and enriching experience in the heart of a unique historical setting. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover traditional crafts, while exploring the history of the château in an atmosphere conducive to exchange and discovery.

And for even more craftsmanship, don't miss the other spots to discover during this event:

Artisan Skills Days: Dates and Theme for the 2026 Cultural Event in Paris and Île-de-France
The European Days of Crafts and Creativity is a special week dedicated to connecting with artisans from across France, taking place from April 7 to 12, 2026. Workshops and studios open their doors, offering us the chance to discover rare and exquisite skills during this 20th edition in Paris and the Île-de-France region. [Read more]