Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Maisons-Laffitte, France

Affluent and sophisticated, Maisons-Laffitte is a northwestern suburb of Paris, where one can easily encounter exquisite mansions and châteaux. Reflecting this image of wealth, the commune serves as a hub for equestrian activities, boasting the largest horse training facility in the Paris region.

Experience a leisurely lifestyle reminiscent of 19th-century gentlemen and ladies by observing horse races, playing golf, and strolling through expansive parks that once served as royal hunting grounds. In addition to the pioneering Château de Maisons, a selection of elegant palaces is just a short drive away, with Paris being only a quick train journey away.

Let us explore the top attractions in Maisons-Laffitte:

1. Château de Maisons

François Mansart’s impressive Château de Maisons stands as a significant milestone in French cultural history, recognized as one of the country’s first Baroque palaces.

This remarkable construction, completed in 1651, attracted visitors from afar who sought a glimpse of its grandeur.

Commissioned by René de Longueil, who lost his role as Superintendent of Finances after hosting an extravagantly lavish event here, the interiors were later remodeled in the 1700s by the Comte d’Artois, showcasing a lavish merge of the dominant Classicism and Mansart’s Baroque style.

A museum within the château traces its connections to horseracing and the Hippodrome de Maisons-Laffitte.

2. Parc de Maisons-Laffitte

Not only was the château impressive, but the park surrounding it was also designed under the guidance of René de Longueil.

In its prime, the park featured stables that rivaled those of Versailles and Chantilly; however, when Jacques Laffitte acquired the estate, he subdivided the 300-hectare grounds, selling portions for residential developments.

Only the gardens adjacent to the château were preserved and redesigned in an English style.

Today, it serves as a historically rich environment ideal for tranquil walks or bike rides, featuring two extended tree-lined avenues that intersect at right angles before the château.

3. Forêt de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Maisons-Laffitte is located at the eastern edge of this vast 3,500-hectare forest.

This area, rich in oak and beech woods, once served as a royal hunting ground, traversed by kings from Henry II in the 16th century to Charles X in the 1800s.

From June through August, visitors can enjoy the Fête des Loges on the eight-hectare Promenade des Loges.

This annual event is essentially a six-week fair featuring 160 attractions, ranging from traditional carnival games to exhilarating roller coasters.

The Allée des Cuisines is also designated for this occasion, showcasing culinary specialties from regions such as Bavaria, Brazil, Spain, Switzerland, and India.

4. Hippodrome de Maisons-Laffitte

It is only natural for a town steeped in nobility and equestrianism to boast a racetrack.

The Hippodrome de Maisons-Laffitte, established in 1878, is distinguished by its 4.68-kilometer flat course, the longest in France.

The main straight stretches over two kilometers, making it one of the longest in Europe alongside Newmarket in Suffolk.

If you are a horse racing enthusiast, be sure to mark your calendar for three major events: The Prix Robert Papin and the Prix Eugène Adam in July, and the Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte in October and November.

All three events are renowned Group II races.

5. Villas Remarquables

Taking the time to wander through the many intersecting avenues established in the late 19th century in Parc de Maisons-Laffitte is worthwhile.

These streets are lined with stunning villas, most of which are classified as French historic monuments.

Among them, the Maison Doulton was designed by the Royal Doulton pottery company from England for the 1878 Exposition Universelle in Paris before being relocated here.

Those with an appreciation for decorative architecture can obtain a list of villas or consult the local tourist office for a comprehensive guide.

6. Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

For over 700 years, this “château” served as the residence for French kings and emperors.

It was a favored residence of Francis I, where he married his queen, Claude de France, in 1514. Each monarch subsequently left a distinct imprint on the property, resulting in multiple renovations that have created a layered historical tapestry.

This characteristic makes it an ideal location for the National Museum of Archaeology, featuring galleries that span from the Paleolithic Age to the Merovingian Period in the 8th century.

Among the significant artifacts displayed are the gilded tableware from the Gallo-Roman Trésor de Rethel and the remarkable Venus of Brassempouy, a 25,000-year-old ivory carving of a woman’s head.

7. Chapelle Saint-Louis

Adjacent to the château lies this exquisite Gothic chapel, commissioned by Louis IX in 1238. Those familiar with Paris may recognize its similarity to the Sainte-Chapelle on Île de la Cité, a deliberate design attributed to the same architect, Pierre de Montreuil.

This chapel features a nave with a single aisle and an apse adorned with windows that extend from the floor to the vaulted ceiling.

The centerpiece is the remarkable lapidary collection within, containing engraved plaques believed to depict Louis IX and his family members, possibly the earliest portraits of a French monarch.

8. Grande Terrasse de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

A standout feature of the estate is this terrace offering a breathtaking view of the Seine Valley.

This walkway extends 2.4 kilometers in length and 30 meters in width, adorned with a row of recently planted lime trees.

On one side lies the expansive Forêt de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, while the opposing side showcases the skyline of La Défense, with iconic Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower visible beyond.

The terrace was designed by the esteemed landscape architect André Le Nôtre for Louis XIV during the 1670s, and it remains one of the last remnants of the demolished Château Neuf from 1770.

9. Villa Savoye

In nearby Poissy, one can marvel at remarkable architecture from a bygone era.

Villa Savoye is an architectural masterpiece from the early 1930s designed by the Modernist Swiss architect Le Corbusier.

This structure embodies Le Corbusier’s design principles, encapsulated in his significant “Five Points,” and is widely regarded as the pinnacle of his Internationalist style.

This UNESCO site, commissioned by a wealthy Parisian couple, was at risk of demolition before being successfully restored in the 1980s and 1990s.

The interiors have been primarily left uncluttered to allow visitors to appreciate the villa’s spectacular spaces illuminated by the extensive window walls.

10. Château de Malmaison

Traveling south towards Paris along the Seine River will lead you to the Château de Malmaison.

The importance of this château cannot be overstated, as it was purchased by Napoleon and Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1799 and served as the Empress’s home for the remainder of her life.

The French government convened here several times between 1800 and 1802, and after Joséphine’s passing, it became Napoleon’s final residence in France prior to his exile to Saint Helena.

The interior functions as an engaging museum presenting the couple’s possessions, including Joséphine’s lavishly preserved apartments as she left them.

11. Versailles

This royal palace complex epitomizes luxury and grandeur, conveniently located a short drive from Maisons-Laffitte.

To maximize your experience, it is advisable to leave early to avoid traffic and dedicate an entire day to exploring the palace and its expansive gardens.

The palace is steeped in intrigue, hosting pivotal historical events such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, with awe-inspiring grandeur that continues to astound visitors today.

Be sure to admire Le Brun’s exquisite interior design in the Hall of Mirrors and the masterful landscaping by Le Nôtre in the gardens.

Additionally, one can visit the Grand Trianon, the retreat of Louis XIV, and the picturesque Hameau de la Reine, a rustic getaway for Queen Marie Antoinette.

12. La Défense

As you approach Paris, you will encounter the metropolitan-style skyline of La Défense.

This modern business district began to take shape in the 1960s and continues to evolve with new tower constructions.

Amidst the skyscrapers, unique structures like the Grand Arche de La Défense align with the Arc de Triomphe several kilometers to the east.

Beyond appreciating the innovative architecture and street art, you can visit Les Quatre Temps, the largest shopping mall in France.

More people frequent this mall than any other in the country, featuring 230 shops that represent a wide array of popular retail brands.

13. Paris Culture

Whether traveling via the RER or Transilien commuter train, the capital city is readily accessible for exploration.

This entry highlights just a few of the numerous world-renowned museums located in the city.

For those fond of French art, the collections at the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée Marmottan Monet, Petit Palais, and Musée Jacquemart are absolutely captivating.

In addition, contemporary art enthusiasts will appreciate the Pompidou Centre and the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

For more high culture, it is recommended to secure tickets in advance for the Opéra National and ballet performances at the Palais Garnier.

14. Paris Sights

One common lament about visiting Paris is the realization of how many attractions remain unexplored.

First-time visitors should prioritize experiences such as ascending the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, wandering through royal shopping arcades, cruising the Seine, hiking up to the Sacré-Cœur, and gazing in awe at the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

However, these attractions barely scratch the surface, excluding the myriad of parks, catacombs, artistic cemeteries, and iconic neighborhoods such as Le Marais, La Pigalle, and Montmartre.

15. Golf

Despite the affluent atmosphere in Maisons-Laffitte, visitors will be pleased to discover that the local golf course is accessible to all.

Even if your golf skills are somewhat lacking, the breathtaking setting near the hippodrome amid lush woodlands makes it worthwhile to partake in a round.

The course features nine challenging holes along with practice facilities that include a green and a driving range.

For a more exclusive experience, Golf de Saint-Germain, located nearby, permits guest access during the week from Tuesday to Friday, although it is a members-only establishment on weekends.