Saint-Germain-en-Laye Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Saint-Germain-en-Laye, located in the Île-de-France region of France, is a picturesque commune that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its charming streets, historic landmarks, and proximity to Paris, this town is an ideal destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in French history and experience the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

One of the main attractions in Saint-Germain-en-Laye is the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a magnificent former royal residence that dates back to the 12th century. This stunning castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the castle's grand architecture and wander through its beautifully landscaped gardens, which are the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

For art enthusiasts, the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale is a must-visit. Housed in the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, this museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. From ancient Roman sculptures to medieval tapestries, this museum offers a fascinating journey through French history.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to explore in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The town is surrounded by the vast and picturesque Saint-Germain Forest, which spans over 3,000 hectares. This forest is perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk amidst nature. There are also several well-marked trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, providing visitors with panoramic vistas of the town and its surroundings.

In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Saint-Germain-en-Laye boasts a lively town center filled with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can indulge in delicious French cuisine, sip on a cup of coffee in a cozy cafe, or browse through the local boutiques to find unique souvenirs.

Alternative names: Population: 41.1 thous. (2019)Area: 20.05 mi²Elevation: 322 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°53'49"N, 2°5'30"E

Location

Île-de-FranceFrance

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Saint-Germain-en-Laye Top Attractions

Saint-Germain-en-Laye Attractions - What to See and Explore

Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: National Archaeological Museum, Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Musée Claude-Debussy, Musée départemental Maurice Denis "The Priory". Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum of archaeology in grand chateau
National Archaeological Museum
Nestled in the historic town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, just a short train ride from the heart of Paris, stands the National Archaeological Museum of France (Musée d'Archéologie Nationale). This esteemed institution is housed in a majestic château that was once a...
Museum • Forts and castles
Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Nestled in the heart of the historic city of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a regal palace that boasts a rich tapestry of French history. This majestic structure, which now houses the National Museum of Archaeology, was once the...
Museum • Specialty museum
Musée Claude-Debussy
The Musée Claude-Debussy, or Maison Claude Debussy, is the birthplace of the composer Claude Debussy, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a western suburb of Paris, France. It contains a small museum about the composer.

Museum • Art museum
Musée départemental Maurice Denis "The Priory"
The Musée départemental Maurice Denis "The Priory" is a museum dedicated to Nabi art located in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, in the Parisian region. The museum is dedicated to Maurice Denis, a French symbolist Nabi painter.
Area
Le Pecq
Le Pecq is a commune in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France region in north-central France. It is located in the western suburbs of Paris, 18.4 km from the center of Paris.
Area
Fourqueux
Fourqueux is a former commune in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France in north-central France. On 1 January 2019, it was merged into the commune Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It is a small suburb 20 km west of Paris.
48°54'7"N • 2°4'60"E
Arrondissement of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The arrondissement of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is an arrondissement of France in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France region. It has 44 communes. Its population is 518,220, and its area is 350.9 km2.
Cemetery
Cimetière Ancien
The ancient cemetery of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is located at 78 bis rue Léon Désoyer in the center of the town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. With an area of two hectares, it has 3 150 graves.
48°54'21"N • 2°6'35"E
Parc Corbière
Park
Ruins
Allée couverte de Conflans
The covered alley of Conflans is a covered alley originally located in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine then moved to the castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye to protect it from permanent destruction.
48°53'50"N • 2°6'24"E
Communauté d'agglomération Saint Germain Boucles de Seine
The Communauté d'agglomération Saint Germain Boucles de Seine is the communauté d'agglomération, an intercommunal structure, in the western suburbs of Paris. It is located in the Yvelines and Val-d'Oise departments, in the Île-de-France region, northern France.
48°53'32"N • 2°3'56"E
La Soucoupe
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Church
Saint Stephen's Church
The Saint-Etienne church is located in Mareil-Marly, in the Yvelines.

Things to See and Do in Saint-Germain-en-Laye by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Active

Piscine de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Saint-Germain-en-Laye
WatersportsSport complexSwimming pool
Stade Municipal Georges Lefèvre
Saint-Germain-en-Laye
SportSport venueArenas and stadiums
Camp des Loges
Saint-Germain-en-Laye
SportSport venue

Other categories

Museum

Day trips

Saint-Germain-en-Laye – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Palace of Versailles (Versailles), Musée du Louvre (Paris), Eiffel Tower (Paris).

6.5 miS
Louis XIV's gilded palace and gardens
Palace of Versailles, Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, once the epicenter of French royalty, stands as a monumental museum of unparalleled opulence and historical significance in the city of Versailles, France. Constructed in the 17th century, it served as the political power base and royal court...
11 milesE
Landmark art museum with vast collection
Musée du Louvre, Paris
The Musée du Louvre, situated in the heart of Paris, France, is not just a premier repository of art but also an emblematic monument that embodies the cultural sophistication of the French capital. As the world's largest art museum, the Louvre boasts an unparalleled...
9.6 miE
Landmark 324m-high 19th-century tower
Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of French elegance and a masterpiece of iron architecture, stands proudly in the heart of Paris, France. Erected in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, this colossal structure was an engineering marvel of its time...
12 milesE
Iconic Gothic church with literary link
Notre-Dame de Paris, Paris
The Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, also known as Notre-Dame, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has towered over the Ile de la Cité in the heart of Paris for centuries. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is not only a place of religious...
9.4 miE
Empire architecture, Arch, Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin
Arc de Triomphe, Paris
The Arc de Triomphe stands majestically at the western end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France, and is one of the most iconic monuments in the city. This grand arch was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, but it was not completed...

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Best Time To Visit Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Learn when is the best time to travel to Saint-Germain-en-Laye weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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January, July and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June, September and October.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, March and August. Most of it rains in May, July, October and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Saint-Germain-en-Laye?

The top attractions to visit in Saint-Germain-en-Laye are:

What is the best time to visit Saint-Germain-en-Laye?

January, July and December are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June, September and October. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.