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If you have done the things to do in France, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Maisons-Laffitte.
A hidden gem nestled in the heart of France, Maisons-Laffitte is a treasure trove of activities waiting to be discovered.
From wandering through its charming streets to indulging in world-class cuisine, this quaint town is a playground for the senses.
So pack your bags, take a deep breath, and get ready to explore all that Maisons-Laffitte has to offer.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Maisons-Laffitte:
1. Château de Maisons-Laffitte
A grand château located in the town of Maisons-Laffitte, just outside Paris.
What to see or do: Explore the lavish interiors of the château, which was built in the 17th century for René de Longueil, a high-ranking member of the French court.
Admire the ornate decorations, including frescoes by Charles Le Brun. Stroll through the formal gardens and take in the views of the Seine River.
Don’t miss: The Château de Maisons-Laffitte hosts frequent exhibitions and events, so be sure to check the schedule to see if there’s anything of interest during your visit.
Insider travel tips: While the château can be reached by public transportation from Paris, it’s best to rent a car or take a taxi if you have limited time.
Also, be aware that the château is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
2. Parc de Maisons-Laffitte
Parc de Maisons-Laffitte is a large public park located in the western suburbs of Paris.
What to see or do: The park offers a variety of activities including jogging, cycling, picnicking, and bird watching. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Château de Maisons-Laffitte, a stunning 17th-century castle located within the park. The castle serves as a museum and features historic paintings, furniture, and decor.
Insider travel tips: – If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to attend one of the park’s outdoor concerts or events.
3. Église Saint-Nicolas
Église Saint-Nicolas is a beautiful church located in the heart of Maisons-Laffitte, a city in the Yvelines department in north-central France.
What to see or do: When visiting Église Saint-Nicolas, be sure to take in the stunning architecture and intricate details of the church’s interior and exterior.
Admire the beautiful stained-glass windows and the impressive bell tower. Visitors can attend mass or simply take a moment of quiet reflection.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the bell tower for an incredible view over Maisons-Laffitte. The climb can be challenging, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the church on Sunday morning to attend mass and experience the beautiful music and rituals of the Catholic faith.
4. Hippodrome de Maisons-Laffitte
A horse racing track located in the town of Maisons-Laffitte, just outside of Paris.
What to see or do: Watch horse races, place bets, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of a classic French racetrack.
Don’t miss: The Prix Messidor, a Group 3 flat horse race held every July, and the Prix Robert Papin, a Group 2 flat horse race held every July for two-year-old horses.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting on a weekend, as there are often more races and a livelier atmosphere.
Bring cash to place bets, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for their race predictions or tips on which horses to bet on.
5. Musée Promenade
A unique outdoor museum in Maisons-Laffitte, France.
What to see or do: The Musée Promenade showcases over 60 contemporary sculptures scattered throughout the town’s streets, squares, parks, and gardens.
Visitors can stroll through the town at their own pace and discover the artworks, which are made by renowned artists from different parts of the world.
Don’t miss: The “Hippopotamus” sculpture by François-Xavier Lalanne, which is located in front of the Château de Maisons-Laffitte, and the “Le Grand Nu” by Jean-Pierre Raynaud, which stands on the terrace of the Maison Caillebotte.
Insider travel tips: Grab a map of the sculpture trail at the Maisons-Laffitte tourist office or on the Musée Promenade website. Additionally, guided tours can be booked in advance for groups of 10 or more.
The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is pleasant and the sculptures are showcased at their finest.
Lastly, explore the quaint town of Maisons-Laffitte, which features beautiful architecture, charming cafes, and a picturesque park by the Seine river.
6. La Maison Fournaise
A historic restaurant located on the banks of the Seine River in Maisons-Laffitte, France.
What to see or do: Enjoy a meal while taking in the picturesque views of the river and the surrounding countryside. The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine and has a well-stocked wine cellar.
Don’t miss: Admire the collection of paintings by renowned impressionist, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who frequently visited the restaurant in the 19th century and featured it in some of his works.
Insider travel tips: Make a reservation in advance to secure a table with a view. On warmer days, ask to be seated on the terrace for an even more stunning experience.
7. Villa Savoye
Villa Savoye is an iconic modernist villa located in Maisons-Laffitte, France. Designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier, it is considered a masterpiece of 20th century architecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a tour of the villa and its grounds, which showcase Le Corbusier’s unique style and aesthetic. Inside, visitors can admire the villa’s open-plan design, clean lines, and minimalistic decor.
Don’t miss: Make sure to explore the rooftop terrace, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Also, don’t miss the villa’s famous spiral staircase, which is considered a work of art in its own right.
Insider travel tips: If possible, try to visit Villa Savoye on a weekday to avoid the crowds. And be sure to bring comfortable shoes, as the villa’s grounds can be expansive.
Finally, don’t forget your camera – this is a must-see spot for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
8. Château de Monte-Cristo
Château de Monte-Cristo is a stunning castle located in Maisons-Laffitte, France.
It was built in 1846 by the famous French author, Alexandre Dumas, who was best known for writing ‘The Three Musketeers’ and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’.
What to see or do: While visiting Château de Monte-Cristo, tourists can explore the magnificent castle and its beautiful garden. The inside of the castle features opulent decor and unique furnishings which are sure to fascinate visitors.
The garden of the castle is designed in a romantic style and is a beautiful place to take a walk and relax.
Don’t miss: The most spectacular room in the castle is the impressive library which houses over 10,000 books from Dumas’ personal collection.
Visitors should also make sure to check out the stunning tower room which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: – Visitors should purchase their tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line.
9. Forêt de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
A forest located just outside of Paris.
What to see or do: The Forêt de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a beautiful location for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, or simply taking a leisurely stroll. The forest covers over 3,000 hectares and has many well-marked trails for visitors to explore.
The abundant flora and fauna are sure to delight nature enthusiasts.
Don’t miss: The Château de Maisons-Laffitte is a stunning example of French architecture and is located on the edge of the forest.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the château’s interior, which features beautiful decorations and furnishings from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Insider travel tips: Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot in the forest to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as some of the trails can be steep and uneven.
If you’re visiting during a hot day, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
10. Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon
Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon in Maisons-Laffitte, France, is a branch of the famous Palace of Versailles and is devoted to French decorative arts.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore French history and admire the décor of several rooms, including the chamber of Madame du Barry, a luxurious room that showcases the skill of French artisans.
The museum also has a large collection of 18th-century paintings, sculptures, and furniture.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the intricate décor of the Bourbon Cabinet, a small room adorned with elegant gilt-bronze moldings and luxurious furnishings.
The museum also has a lovely garden where visitors can stroll and admire the lovely French-style landscaping.
Insider travel tips: For a more intimate and immersive experience, visitors can opt for a guided tour. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
Additionally, visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the museum covers a large area.
11. Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental archway located in the heart of Maisons-Laffitte, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb to the top of the archway for stunning views of the surrounding city.
The archway is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where an eternal flame burns in honor of fallen soldiers.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take the time to admire the intricate relief sculptures on the archway, which depict famous battles and historic events.
Insider travel tips: Avoid the crowds by visiting early in the morning or in the evening. Additionally, consider purchasing tickets online in advance to skip the line.