Versailles, the sun of Yvelines
Visit the royal town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Arriving in this beautiful 3,500-hectare forest, it's easy to understand why the kings of France fell under the spell of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Today, walkers, sports enthusiasts and tourists alike stroll or cycle through the pedestrian streets and gardens of the Domaine National, a town on a human scale.
Saint-Germain’s must-sees
- Saint-Germain-en-Laye Estate
Saint-Germain conquered the heart of Louis VI “the Fat”, and later others made it their favourite residence. Louis XIV was born here and lived here until his departure for Versailles. Numerous royal souvenirs remain, including the old château, its Renaissance courtyard, a legacy of the presence of François I, and the chapel built under Saint Louis in 1238, a forerunner of the Sainte-Chapelle. Today it houses the National Archaeological Museum, one of the world’s largest collections of prehistoric art, with its illustrious “Venus of Brassempouy”.
Ideal for a family cultural outing, the National Archaeological Museum welcomes you every day of the week (except Tuesdays) and offers a wide range of original tours and fun workshops. A trip back in time guaranteed! The museum’s collections retrace the life of mankind in France from the earliest times to the Middle Ages… A must-see? And yes, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of prehistoric art and one of Europe’s richest archaeological collections.
- Terraces and gardens of the Domaine National de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
After a cultural visit, discover the terraces and gardens of the Domaine National de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, an ensemble of gardens created by the unrivalled landscape gardener Le Nôtre for two châteaux: the Château-Vieux built by François I and the Château-Neuf built by Henri IV. From the extravagantly large terrace, 30 metres wide and 2,400 metres long, you can fully appreciate Le Nôtre’s genius and admire this masterpiece of perspective. The terrace offers an exceptional panoramic view of the entire Seine valley, stretching right to the edge of the forest. A unique place to stroll, immersed in greenery and much loved by all Parisians.
Cultural visits in Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The internationally renowned museum is housed in the former home of painter Maurice Denis. Here you can admire an exceptional collection of works by Symbolist, Nabis and Pont-Aven artists. Paintings by Maurice Denis are displayed alongside those by artists such as Gauguin, Bernard, Sérusier, Bonnard, Vuillard, Ranson and others. An opportunity to understand the pioneering role played by the artists of these movements in the birth of modern art at the crossroads of the 19th and 20th centuries. Don’t leave without a tour of the museum’s hillside garden, where you can discover sculptures, a fountain, a pond, an orchard and a vegetable garden.
Located in the same building as the Saint-Germain-en-Laye Tourist Office, you won’t want to miss a visit to the house-museum of Claude Debussy, the great 19th-century French composer. The first permanent exhibition space devoted to Claude Debussy, his birthplace contains personal objects and visual documents relating his life, work and artistic affinities. The Musée Claude Debussy offers a rich musical programme throughout the year.
- A stroll through the streets of Saint-Germain-en Laye
The 800 boutiques in the town centre are a real treat for shopaholics. Between the market square, its arcades and pedestrian streets, there’s something for everyone: fashion for all, beautiful shops, furniture, design…and delicious pastries!
A tasty break
Are you looking for inspiration for a tasty break? Don’t worry, we’ve selected several restaurants in Saint-Germain-en-Laye:
