11 avenue des Loges
78100 Saint Germain en Laye
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From the 12th century, crown heads fell in love with Saint-Germain-en-Laye’s exceptional surroundings.
Over the centuries, the Kings and their Successors were attracted by this area thanks to the nearness of the French capital Paris and the presence of one of the most beautiful and well-stocked with game forest in Ile-de-France.
By François I’s request, the so-called « Château Vieux » (Old Castle) was built and at the end of the 16th century, a second Castle was constructed. Nevertheless, nowadays there is almost no remain of this New Castle.
Louis XIV was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. He left his mark on the town. Indeed, here began the splendourous time of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, with Molière’s theatre group. L’Avare (The Miser) of Molière or Le Cid of Corneille played in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, have become the greatest classical plays of the French Theatre. Mansart extended and embellished the Castle while the famous Le Nôtre designed the garden and the terrace overlooking the great Seine Valley and West Paris.
The high aristocracy moved to Saint-Germain-en-Laye and made build private mansions, one more splendid than another.
Today, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a very appreciated residential town, just out of Paris. The city centre still preserves the Middle-Age atmosphere. Strolling in the pedestrian streets of the town is like reading books. Among the most beautiful façades, we will quote the Hotel de Conti, the Hotel de Rohan or the Hotel de Madame de Maintenon.
In this town of Art and Culture, several Museums will catch your eye. Located in the Castle, the Museum of National Antiquities is the most important archaeological site in France. Claude Debussy’s native house groups souvenirs and evocations of the composer.
The forest covers more than 3,500 ha. It offers very pleasant walk rides along its green and large roads, inherited from royal huntings of the past.
