Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (National Archaeological Museum)
Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye – Musée d'Archéologie nationale
The royal château where Louis XIV was born, now home to the National Archaeological Museum. A large terrace designed by Le Nôtre overlooks Paris.
The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye was an important royal residence. Louis XIV was born here, and it served as the royal court for a long period before Versailles was completed. Since 1867 it has housed the National Archaeological Museum, whose collections span from the Paleolithic to the Merovingian dynasty. The famous Venus of Brassempouy, a prehistoric ivory female head, is kept here. Within the château, the Saint-Louis Chapel is a representative example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. Outside the château is a Le Nôtre–designed grand terrace about 2.4 km long, overlooking the Seine valley, with views of La Défense and Paris. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, and the gardens are free. Take RER Line A to the terminus, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and walk out of the station; about 30 minutes.
Opening hours
Museum closed Tue, about 10:00–17:00; gardens open all day
Nearby sights
- Palace of Versailles
- La Défense & Grande Arche
- Fondation Louis Vuitton
- Auvers-sur-Oise
- Trocadéro & Palais de Chaillot
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Champs-Élysées