Festival Ciné Patrimoine — Château de Maintenon

Cinema in a Heritage Setting

Since 2022, the Château de Maintenon has hosted an original film festival every spring, blending film screenings with heritage discovery. The Ciné Patrimoine Festival, subtitled "The Château de Maintenon goes to the movies," transforms the castle's historic rooms and French gardens into ephemeral screening venues. For twelve days, from late May to early June, the festival offers around forty screenings for all audiences.

A Program Between Cinema and Literature

The festival's program highlights cinematic and literary heritage. The selected films revolve around several themes: adaptations of classic literary works, films about history, feature films inspired by childhood books, and heritage works to rediscover on the big screen. Each edition chooses a unifying theme—sports, great classics, childhood heroes—which guides the selection and activities.

Immersive and Fun Experiences

Beyond screenings, the festival offers original experiences. Cine-concerts, where a musician accompanies a silent or classic film live, provide unique cinematic moments. The immersive giant Cluedo invites participants to solve a mystery within the castle's rooms. Gastronomic evenings combine screenings and tastings. The "Hollywood studios" day immerses visitors in the world of American cinema with themed sets, costumes, and activities.

Outdoor and Indoor Screenings

Screenings take place outdoors in the castle gardens at dusk, offering an exceptional setting with the Maintenon aqueduct as a backdrop, but also indoors in the historic rooms for daytime screenings and workshops. Accessible screenings, particularly for people with disabilities, demonstrate the festival's commitment to inclusivity. In total, about fifteen films, three shows, workshops, and an immersive game make up each edition.