Understanding the Chateau de Maisons 

• A source of inspiration. The chateau was inaugurated in April 1651 in the presence of Louis XIV, then aged 12. The Sun King subsequently called upon the sculptors and decorators who had worked at Maisons to help build Versailles, as well as its architect’s great-nephew, Jules Hardouin Mansart. 

• From equestrian art to horse racing. In the late 18th century the Maisons estate was acquired by the Count of Artois, the brother of Louis XVI and future Charles X. He had a passion for horses and introduced the fashion for horse racing. In the 19th century the banker Jacques Laffitte had the great park divided up, had a race track built, and encouraged race meets.