Madame du Barry's private mansion
Presentation
Just a stone’s throw from the heart of Versailles, discover a hidden gem: the elegant townhouse of Madame du Barry, the last mistress of Louis XV. Nestled in a discreet setting, this pavilion is a testament to the splendour and intrigues of the 18th-century court.
In 1772, the Countess du Barry acquired this estate to house her staff. She entrusted the construction of sumptuous stables to one of the greatest architects of her time, Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, a leading figure of Neoclassical architecture.
But the death of Louis XV in 1774 changed her destiny. In 1775, Madame du Barry ceded the property to the Count of Provence, brother of the new king, Louis XVI. He continued the development works under Jean-François Chalgrin, the future architect of the Arc de Triomphe.
Transformed into a military district during the Revolution, the site underwent many changes. In 1902, the stables and the pavilion were separated. While the stables became the Versailles Police Headquarters, the pavilion was acquired in 1937 by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which established its offices there while preserving the refined décor and period artworks recalling the presence of Madame du Barry.
A rare and captivating visit
Today, this exceptional site opens its doors only for guided tours organized by the Versailles Tourist Office. It is a unique opportunity to step into the intimacy of a woman who left her mark on her century, and to discover a remarkably preserved heritage blending history, architecture, and the French art of living.
📍 Information & Reservations
For upcoming tour dates or to book your place, please contact us directly.
But the death of Louis XV in 1774 changed her destiny. In 1775, Madame du Barry ceded the property to the Count of Provence, brother of the new king, Louis XVI. He continued the development works under Jean-François Chalgrin, the future architect of the Arc de Triomphe.
Transformed into a military district during the Revolution, the site underwent many changes. In 1902, the stables and the pavilion were separated. While the stables became the Versailles Police Headquarters, the pavilion was acquired in 1937 by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which established its offices there while preserving the refined décor and period artworks recalling the presence of Madame du Barry.
A rare and captivating visit
Today, this exceptional site opens its doors only for guided tours organized by the Versailles Tourist Office. It is a unique opportunity to step into the intimacy of a woman who left her mark on her century, and to discover a remarkably preserved heritage blending history, architecture, and the French art of living.
📍 Information & Reservations
For upcoming tour dates or to book your place, please contact us directly.
General information
- Type of culturel patrimony :
- Museum
LIBELLE_EQUIPEMENT_SERVICES
- Parking :
- Parking
Contact
Madame du Barry's private mansion
19, Avenue de Paris
78000
Versailles
- Spoken language(s) :
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