Plan Your Visit to French Legation

Public Tour

History, Diplomacy, and Growth in Early Austin
Capacity: up to 25 people
Timing: 45 minutes, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Families $14, adults $7, seniors, veterans, and teachers $6, children $4, ages 5 and under free

The French Legation is one of the oldest houses in Austin, opened in 1841 as a home and diplomatic outpost for the French chargé d’affaires to the Republic of Texas. The site tells the story of Texas’ settlement and the growth of one Austin’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Guests may tour the house and grounds at their own pace as they read and engage with history in a beautiful setting. Reservations may be made in advance; walk-ins available as space permits.

School Tour

School of Diplomacy
Grades: Kindergarten through college
Capacity: 5-25 students
Timing: 1 hour, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $1 per student

Students will embark on a guided tour the French Legation built in 1841, home of French charge d’affaires after France recognized Texas as a sovereign nation. They will learn the history of the home and its impact on the East Austin community. Students will also tour the scenic grounds and a reconstructed version of the home’s detached kitchen. School tours can be modified to fit the group’s academic needs, including discussion of the Republic of Texas, the history of Austin, Texas and 19^th-century world politics, and slavery, reconstruction, and segregation.

Adult Group Tour

A Legacy of Connection
Capacity: 10-25 adults
Timing: 1 hour, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $4 per person

Opened in 1841 as a home and diplomatic outpost for the French chargé d’affaires to the Republic of Texas, the French Legation is one of the oldest houses in Austin. On this guided tour, you’ll learn how the French Legation has been a part of Austin’s growth from a small frontier town into a bustling capital city. Almost 200 years after it was built, the French Legation sits in one of Austin’s most vibrant neighborhoods and retains its original mission: to foster connections, find common ground, and discover our shared heritage.

Tour Reservations

School and group tour reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance by calling 737-226-1454, emailing frenchlegation@thc.texas.gov, or completing this tour request form.

If your group is looking for a specialized tour experience, contact the site directly to inquire about customizing your tour.

Parking

Limited visitor parking is available in our lot located at 9th Street and Embassy Drive at 900 East 9th Street.  Metered parking is available along San Marcos Street, 9th and Embassy Drive. Visit Park ATX for more information about metered street parking.

Museum Store

Our museum store features gifts and souvenirs of your visit to the French Legation State Historic Site and the City of Austin. Purchases made through self-service kiosks with card payment only.

Accessibility

The historic French Legation building and the visitor center is wheelchair accessible and connected via paved pathways. Accessible restrooms are located at the visitor center building. It is a short distance from the visitor center to the French Legation building.

Facilities

Water fountains are available in the visitor center courtyard.
Restrooms are accessible, gender-neutral and offer diaper changing stations. They are located in the visitor center courtyard.
Coolers are not permitted onsite.
Food and beverages are not permitted in the historic French Legation building.
Pets on a leash are permitted onsite but not in the historic structures. Service dogs are always welcome.
Personal photography is welcomed onsite, but commercial photography may be subject to permit requirements and service fees.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the site.