Hiver aux Merveilles — Château de Maintenon

The magic of Christmas in an exceptional castle

For several years, the Château de Maintenon, former residence of the Marquise de Maintenon and secret wife of Louis XIV, transforms into an enchanted place as the end-of-year holidays approach. Hiver aux Merveilles offers an immersive indoor sound and light trail, where each room of the castle tells a different story through magical decorations, characters, sound, light, and video projections.

A narrated tour through the castle rooms

The "Princes and Princesses" edition invites visitors to rediscover childhood tales in their original versions. Six stories are presented through immersive scenographies in the historic rooms of the castle. The sumptuous decorations, costumes, light effects, and soundtracks create a magical atmosphere that transports young and old into a fairy-tale world.

Activities and shows for everyone

The highlights of the event are concentrated on the weekends before Christmas, with special activities and shows on December 21-22 and December 28-29. Creative workshops, encounters with fairy-tale characters, and family moments complete the experience. The entire castle and its French formal gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, offer an exceptional setting to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

An unmissable family event

Open daily from 10:30 AM to 6 PM for nearly a month, Hiver aux Merveilles has become an unmissable family event in Eure-et-Loir and the Centre-Val de Loire region. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year from neighboring departments to experience an enchanted Christmas in a remarkable heritage setting. Accessible prices — €8.50 for adults and €4 for children — make this experience open to the greatest number.