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
19th Century Medicine
Want to know the medicine doctors practiced on the frontier? Join Joe Berrong, a retired doctor, and Living Historian specializing in 19th century medicine will give a talk and discussion about medical practices, techniques, and medicine of the 1800s. See the antique tools of the trade and learn how they were used.
The French Legation was once home to Dr. Joseph Robertson, one of the first doctors in Austin. Many of these practices were standard to Roberson’s career. Learning about these practices offers perspective of the medical practices that were offered to Austin residents, and a unique glimpse into the history of the era.
Generation Serve - Make Pinch Pots
Join Generation Serve to help make clay pinch pot kits for the upcoming Texas Archeology Month.
Bastille Day Handmade History
It's gonna be a hot one out there this Bastille Day! Bring your kiddos and learn about the history of Bastille Day while crafting some fans with us at the French Legation.
French Legation in the Blog
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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