The castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye once served as a residence for many rulers of France. The first fortress, built here in 1122 by Louis VI, has not survived. In its place Francis I in the 16th century was erected a majestic structure in the Renaissance style. The castle was designed to resemble a Florentine palace. Slender towers, openwork stone ligature, elongated window openings, coquettish arches – this is how we see Saint-Germain-en-Laye today. The interior of the chateau consists of more than 50 rooms. The most amazing of them: seven chapels, a huge kitchen and a spacious ballroom. The castle was finalized under Napoleon III, who restored it and opened a museum of archaeology. This museum is here to this day. In its halls you can not only admire the beautiful interiors, but also look at valuable exhibits illustrating the development of France from the ancient centuries to our time. Attention in Saint-Germain-en-Laye is worthy of attention and a wonderful park, stretching a narrow two-kilometer terrace along the Seine. It has been called the “river pavilion” because of its elongated shape. Behind the terrace, to the north of the city, lies the magnificent Saint-Germain Forest.
Recommended visit:
- Excursion France in miniature
- Russian cab in Paris
- Excursion to Tuari Safari Park
- Excursion to Versailles from Paris
