Chateau de St Germain en Laye
Chateau de St Germain en Laye
11 Members like this place
About Chateau de St Germain en Laye
Add to favoritesThe Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, also known as the "Château Vieux" (Old Castle) in contrast to the Château Neuf (New Castle), is a former residence of the kings of France. It was the site of the signing of numerous peace treaties and royal edicts. It was here that Louis XIII died in 1643, and it was also here that Louis XIV, then 11 years old, his mother, and Mazarin sought refuge during the Fronde in January 1649. Located in the center of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in the Yvelines department, it now houses the National Archaeology Museum.
Tip for an even more exceptional visit.
For a smart visit to the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the key is to understand that it houses the National Archaeology Museum: don't miss the tiny but moving Lady of Brassempouy (one of the oldest sculpted faces in human history). In the inner courtyard, look for the monograms of Francis I (the salamander) and, above all, don't miss the Sainte-Chapelle: built by Saint Louis before the one in Paris, it boasts stone vaulting ribs of almost impossible lightness. The real secret lies outside: don't just stroll in front of the château, but explore Le Nôtre's Grande Terrasse. Stretching over 2 kilometers, it offers a famous optical illusion and a breathtaking view of the La Défense skyline and Paris in the distance. For an unusual touch, look out for the old garden gates which still bear the marks of history and end up in the national domain to unearth the remains of the grottoes and water features of the "Château Neuf", now gone, where Louis XIV was born.
4 Key Dates
-
baby_changing_station
31/3/1519
Birth of Henry II in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and husband of Catherine de' Medici.
-
square_foot
1532
François I rebuilt the medieval castle in Renaissance style, adding Italian-style terraces offering a unique view of the Seine.
-
baby_changing_station
27/6/1550
Birth of Charles IX in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and king of St. Bartholomew's Day.
-
square_foot
1594
Henry IV had the "New Castle" and its terraced gardens built, complete with hydraulic automata, a technical marvel of the time.
HENRI IV
The stories of your visits (en-US)
Submit your review.
PAVILLON HENRI 4
CHATEAU VILLIERS-LE-MAHIEU
AUBERGE DU JEU DE PAUME
CASTEL MAINTENON
LE PETIT BARBIZON
LE CHATEAU BOULAY-MORIN
HOTEL L'AIGLE NOIR
DOMAINE DU BOSC ROGER
