Majestic ruins
Irrational, unrestrained, capricious--these words would very well describe Louis XIV's insistance to excavate a large canal and build an enormous three-level aqueduct across the Eure river valley to
aliment the fountains of Versailles with water. The project which was to extend 80 km, however, was never completed due to a lack of funds. Because the unfinished aqueduct crossed the estate of Madame de Maintenon, the king gave her the title of Marquise to compensate her for the inconvenience and damage
to her property. (She later became his secret wife, but that is another story for another day.)
What is left of the aqueduct gives the the formal gardens of the Château de Maintenon a truly romantic aura and charm.
Maintenon is approximately 20 km from Chartres and 90 km from Paris.
©2026 P. B. Lecron
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