Austin Tourism: French Legation

Video Transcript

"Outside the French Legation in Austin, Texas you'll find two and a half acres of landscaped gardens and a quaint carriage house. The first building you'll find outside is the kitchen. Back in the 1800s, most kitchens were detached from the main house. A fire in the kitchen could destroy the whole place so setting them back away from the house was common. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas discovered the original kitchen hearth in the 1950s. They built this building to look like the original kitchen. There's an immense collection of antique French cookware on display here. Follow the stone path through the yard and you'll find the carriage house. The carriage house has two stories. The upper floor is available for parties and wedding receptions. The first floor houses the museum office and gift shop. Weddings and formal parties are often held out in the garden. The porch of the mansion is picturesque enough for the ceremony and is a perfect place to take photos. These hedges give the area a formal feeling as if you were strolling through and authentic French garden."