The Rampe des Grottes

Historic site and monument
Historic patrimony
Ruins and remains

Rampe des Grottes, Rue Thiers, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The Rampe des Grottes, the Mur des Lions and the Pavillons Henri IV (where Louis XIV was baptised) and Sully (situated at Pecq) are the last remaining vestiges of the Château-Neuf and the magnificent composition of terraced gardens leading down to the Seine.

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The Rampe des Grottes was once fitted out in grand style: the hydraulic diversions gave much pleasure to Henri IV and his guests. It led from the bottom of the terraced gardens to the Château-neuf. Distinguished artists, including the Francini brothers, collaborated to create seven artificial grottoes beneath the terraces, each one housing amazing automatons.

A SITE REWARDED IN 2017
Today, the Rampe des Grottes is classed as a Monument Historique, and in 2017, it was presented with the...