©Toits Chateau Creditphilippemeunierstthomastv|Philippe Meunier

At the heart of history Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Saint-Germain-en-Laye Royal elegance in the heart of the Île-de-France region

Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a historic town with a rich royal and imperial heritage. A former residence of the kings of France, it is home to the majestic Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, now the National Archaeology Museum. The town combines history, culture and nature, with its lively streets, shops and restaurants. But it is also a young and dynamic town, which inspired two great artists, Claude Debussy and Maurice Denis, who lived here. The château park offers splendid views over the Seine valley, making this town the perfect place for a rewarding getaway.

Located in western Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a royal town in the Yvelines department, with a rich historical past and a pleasant living environment. This town, marked by the imprint of kings and nobles, is a true witness to France’s royal past.

Château Saint Germain Trees 1 — ©Château Saint Germain Arbres 1 OTISGBS

Kings and nobles have left their mark on the royal town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Louis VI, known as le Gros, decided in 1124 to have the château of Saint-Germain-en-Laye built. Louis VII gave it the title of “residence” and from then on almost all the kings of France came to stay there until 1682, making Saint-Germain-en-Laye the royal town par excellence. Following this, Louis XIV abandoned Saint-Germain to settle in Versailles.

The most famous residents of the Château-Vieux are Louis IX, known as Saint-Louis, who had the chapel built, François I who marked the place with the Renaissance style, Henri II who decided to build the Château-Neuf below the Château-Vieux, Henri IV who stayed there regularly while Louis XIII died there.

As for Louis XIV, who was born on 5 September 1638 at Château-Neuf, he established his habitual residence at Château-Vieux from 1666 to 1681 and gave Saint-Germain an incomparable boom. Numerous private mansions bear witness to this period. Among them, the Hôtel dit de la marquise de Maintenon, on rue du Vieil-Abreuvoir, is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic.

To discover Saint-Germain-en-Laye on foot, the Tourist Office offers several walking itineraries, which can be downloaded here.

The châteaux of the royal town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The two châteaux of Saint-Germain-en-Laye are no longer considered royal residences. Indeed, the Château-Neuf has largely disappeared. However, a few remains are still visible today. The oratory where Louis XIV was anointed has been incorporated into the Pavillon Henri IV hotel-restaurant, while the Lion Wall and the Grottes ramp have been restored and are freely accessible by descending the stairs at the corner of the hotel-restaurant.

As for the Château-Vieux, after being neglected for several decades, it was given a second lease of life under Napoleon III when it became a museum of archaeology. Inaugurated in 1867, the Musée d’Archéologie Nationale de Saint-Germain-en-Laye houses one of the largest collections in Europe. The museum exhibits around 30,000 archaeological objects, from the origins of prehistory (Palaeolithic) to the Carolingian era. Its reserves hold more than two million objects…

Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Royal Town and City of Art

Many famous figures from the artistic world also stayed here, musicians such as Claude Debussy, Lulli, Mozart, painters like Maurice Denis and the Vera brothers…

Many of them are highlighted in eponymous museums dedicated to their lives and works, others have left their names to cultural venues. You can immerse yourself in the world of composer Claude Debussy at his birthplace, 38 rue au Pain. Then head to rue Maurice Denis, to the Musée Départemental Maurice Denis, which was the studio and family home of the Nabis painter. Before entering the Musée Ducastel-Vera, where works from the city’s collections are regularly on display.

# 2 By all means Take a trip back to the time of the Gauls!

“By Toutatis! If you think archaeology is a dusty discipline, the Musée d’Archéologie Nationale de Saint-Germain-en-Laye will change your mind. Housed in the sumptuous Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, this museum invites you to delve into the fascinating history of France, from the earliest mankind to the High Middle Ages, via the mythical era of the Gauls.

Discover Au temps des Gaulois!

Our escapes Experiments to try!

Close to Paris and yet so far away, our escapes are waiting for you to breathe, relax, enjoy and explore. Discover our great escapes of the month for experiences you’ll always enjoy. Immerse yourself in Saint Germain Boucles de Seine.

©Children at the accrobranche in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Flying to the treetopstowards the treetops

Discover the Maurice Denis MuseumArtistic immersion in a historic site

A musical journey at the Maison natale Claude Debussyat the Maison Natale Claude Debussy

See all our experiences

What to do in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Located just a few kilometres from Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is the ideal destination for a holiday combining relaxation, cultural discoveries and culinary delights. Explore its magnificent green spaces, stroll through its historic centre and take advantage of the best places to eat and sleep. Whether you’re looking for local specialities or a comfortable hotel, Saint-Germain-en-Laye has something for everyone. Let us guide you through a unique experience in this charming town!

At the moment
The must-haves
The activities
Our meetings

Accrocamp de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Escape Game - The EXIT

Unique Piece Workshop