Maison de Jean de la Fontaine, maison natale de Jean de la Fontaine
The maison de Jean de La Fontaine is a 17th-century house in Château-Thierry that now functions as a museum to tell the story of the famous fabulist's life and work. The building with stone walls and small windows has been restored after extensive renovations and displays paintings, sculptures, drawings, and historical objects that show different periods of his career and how artists across centuries have admired his legacy.
The house was built in the 16th century and Jean de La Fontaine was born there in 1621 before leaving at age 55 due to financial difficulties. It was converted into a museum in 1876 to preserve his memory and show his influence on French literature.
The street and the building itself bear the writer's name, reflecting his importance to the town. His fables appear throughout the space in illustrations and objects that show how deeply his stories are woven into French culture.
The museum is designed to be accessible to everyone, with an elevator and wheelchair access throughout the building. Improved signage helps visitors navigate easily, while audio recordings and interactive screens present information in an engaging way.
The garden outside the house is free to enter and offers a quiet space to rest between the different exhibition areas. It was intentionally designed to help bring the world of fables to life for visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.