The vestibule and the grand staircase

Vestibule d'entrée du château de Maisons

Let's discover the modernity of the entrance hall, where space and transparency are the innovative elements, but above all its staircase !

François Mansart moved it to the west wing, allowing the vestibule to open onto the courtyard and garden, like an Italian patio! The mineral decor is sumptuous, with columns supporting a canopy adorned with "bas-reliefs" and four life-size eagles that seem to welcome visitors.

But where did François Mansart draw his inspiration from? He turned to great models: Michelangelo for Italy and Philibert Delorme for France!

Château de Maisons, vestibule central
© Philippe Berthé / Centre des monuments nationaux

Let's take the staircase. It rises with four flights of suspended steps, separated by intermediate spaces, wrapped around a central void. Occupying the entire height of the castle, it is covered by a triple dome, invisible from the main courtyard!

To create this new type of structure, François Mansart used the art of cutting and assembling ashlar, known as stereotomy. The sobriety of the white stone walls on the upper floor is enhanced by sculpted groups and pilasters .

The centerpiece of the castle's decor, the staircase leads to the main floor to the king's and queen's apartments.