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The story begins with René de Longueil, a prominent member of the Parisian Parliament and a man of considerable influence and wealth. In 1630, driven by the fortune inherited from his wife, Madeleine Poulenc de Krefcor, René embarked on an ambitious project: to build a magnificent palace outside Paris that would elevate his family's social standing and serve as a venue capable of hosting royalty. To realize this vision, he commissioned renowned French baroque architect François Mansart, whose designs are celebrated for their elegance and harmony.