One of the oldest houses in Austin, the French Legation opened in 1841 as a home and diplomatic outpost for the French chargé d’affaires to the Republic of Texas, Alphonse Dubois, after France recognized the Republic of Texas as a sovereign nation. The site tells the story of Texas’ settlement and the growth of one of the capital city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Location
802 San Marcos Street
Austin, TX 78702
Parking lot located at 900 East 9th Street
737-226-1454
Contact us
See map
Hours
Tuesday to Saturday
Grounds: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Museum: 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Last admission at 4:15 p.m.)
Tickets
Adult $7
Senior/Veteran/Teacher/First Responder $6
Child (6-17) $4
Child (5 and under) Free
Family (2 adults & 1 child) $14, each additional child $1
Programs
Guided Tours
School Tours
Group Tours
See the site
Plan Your Visit
See everything there is to do at the French Legation, and other local attractions.
French Legation History
Alphonse Dubois de Saligny (1809-1888) was a secretary to the French legation to the United States who saw financial opportunities in the new Republic.
Rent French Legation
Generations of families have celebrated their special occasions at the French Legation, the oldest recorded residence in Austin.
Support the Friends of the French Legation
Friends of the French Legation is a "Fiscally Sponsored Project" of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission (a 501(C)(3) nonprofit charitable organization). Your gift will directly support this organization.
Events at French Legation
Play Pétanque with the Legation Boules Club
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.Parlez-vouz Pétanque? Join the Legation Boules Club members every Wednesday morning on the historic French Legation grounds!
Handmade History: Embroidery Workshop
Saturday 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Join us for the French Legation's Handmade History series, a beginner friendly workshop and lecture series on historic crafts for the modern day! In this embroidery workshop, led by artist Kaylah Banuelos, you'll learn the basic embroidery stiches and make your own tote bag.
Civic Season: Red, White, & Decorate
Saturday 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.Help us decorate the French Legation for Bastille Day and make your own decorations for 4th of July!
Support Our Historic Sites
Make a gift to the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the historic sites of the THC.
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