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. 

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Location

802 San Marcos Street 
Austin, TX 78702 
Parking lot located at 900 East 9th Street 
737-226-1454 
Contact us
See map

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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.) 

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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

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Programs

Guided Tours 
School Tours 
Group Tours

Visitors on grounds walkway

Plan Your Visit

See everything there is to do at the French Legation, and other local attractions.

Kitchen

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.

Living room of the main house

Rent French Legation

Generations of families have celebrated their special occasions at the French Legation, the oldest recorded residence in Austin.

Visitors in the bedroom of the main house

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

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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!

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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.

French Legation decorated with red, white, and blue

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!

French Legation in the Blog

Visit Eight State Historic Sites to Experience the Republic of Texas Era

Step back in time and experience the period of the Texas Republic in person or virtually at one of these Texas Historical Commission state historic sites.