The history of Maintenon is dominated by Françoise d’Aubigné, marquess of Maintenon, grand daughter of Agrippa d’Aubigné, a poet, and widow of the writer Scarron. She was also Louis XIV’s morganatic wife.
 
She purchased the castle in 1674. It was handed down, by marriage, to the Noailles family and it remains the property of their descendants.
 
Today it is managed by the Conseil Général who organises visits and musical events on its premises.
 
The castle was built by Jean Cottereau during the 12th century during the reign of Louis XI.
 
The rich wheat plains of Beauce are on its doorstep, Rambouillet and Dourdan forests are its close neighbours, and the river Eure flows alongside its old walls..