Maintenon
This charming town on the banks of the Eure river is renowned for its castle, irrevocably linked to the incredible destiny of Françoise d'Aubigné, christened "Madame de Maintenon by the king. She became the clandestine governess of Madame de Montespan's children by the age of 34 and wife of Louis XIV in secret ceremony at the age of 48. She became an extremely powerful figure in the country's political life after 1688. Louis XV bought the castle in 1674 and gave it to Madame de Maintenon. The building is Renaissance.