Discover Saint-germain-en-laye with HOTEL MERCURE PARIS OUEST SAINT GERMAIN

Saint-Germain-en-Laye is one of the most interesting historic towns of the Paris region. It has retained its urban fabric from the Middle Ages, as well as its pre-17th-century winding streets and cul-de-sacs. Starting point - Courtyard of the house where Claude Debussy was born No. 38 Rue au Pain In the courtyard, observe the beautiful stairway and wooden banisters, the only one remaining in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It dates from the late 17th century. Take the steps up to the first floor. This is the Claude Debussy museum. The composer was born here on 22 August 1862. His parents lived in a modest ground-floor flat and ran an earthenware and porcelain shop. The upper floors were occupied by other families. Stage 1 - Rue de la Salle Thus named since 1640 in honour of the captains who governed the town, but also because it housed a hall (“salle”) where the residents would meet. - at no. 16: This is the oldest house in the town. Half-timbered, it is typical of the late Middle Ages. The façade has been restored. - at no. 18: Hôtel des Maréchaux de Villeroy. Owned by Nicolas de Neuville, governor under Louis XIV, and later by his son François, who was also a governor but under Louis XV. Stage 2 - Rue du Vieil Abreuvoir At the street entrance there was a large watering pond but it was demolished in the 18th century to make way for the “coche”, the public vehicle that was the ancestor of the “diligence” stagecoach. - at no. 24: Hôtel “de la Feuillade”. This mansion belonged to the Duc de la Feuillade. He was a great admirer of King Louis XIV, and erected a statue in his honour at Place des Victoires in Paris. - at no. 23: Hôtel de la Marquise de Maintenon. Mistress and, later, the second wife of Louis XIV, she purchased this mansion in 1680. The impressive wrought iron balcony dates back to 1880. - at no. 22: Hôtel de Montausier. Mansion owned by the Duc de Montausier, governor to Louis XIV’s eldest son. The future Maréchal Lyautey also lived here, from 1887 to 1891. He was just a Captain at the time. Stage 3 - Rue des Coches So named since 1700 because it was the departure point of the public “coche” stagecoaches travelling to neighbouring towns, including Paris and Versailles. - at no. 17: Hôtel de Guise: this private mansion was owned by Henri II de Lorraine, Duc de Guise and grandson of the “Balafré” (“slashed face”). Albert Alain, the famous organist from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, was also born here. Stage 4 - Rue des Vieilles Boucheries The street was named after the meat market that was here in the Middle Ages. The street was closed by a gate at night to dissuade thieves. Stage 5 - Cour Larcher Access to the courtyard is from Rue de Paris between nos. 40 and 42. It is named after Regnault Larcher, who was an archer for King Philippe Auguste who founded a “Maison Dieu” here. This little hospital sheltered the poor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, as well as pilgrims and travellers. Stage 6 - Allée des Récollets A narrow passageway on the site of the ancient Recollects convent. The Recollects were part of the Franciscan order and were initially protected by Henri II and Catherine de Medicis Stage 7 - Rue Voltaire Named in honour of the philosopher of light who spent two months at Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1729. - at nos. 2 to 6: Hôtel de Fieubet. Gaspard de Fieubet, advisor to King Louis XIV, acquired and embellished this mansion. It was reworked in the 19th century, unlike the one next to it (at no. 8) which has remained in its 18th century state. Stage 8 - Rue / Place Saint-Pierre - at no. 19: Hôtel de Folard, an 18th-century knight, soldier and military strategist. To the right of the door, a height marker decorated with the crown and royal cradle, indicates our altitude: 65.838 metres above the River Seine. At Place Saint-Pierre, the Colbert fountain originally faced the Château. It was restored, moved here and inaugurated in 1989. Stage 9 - Rue du Gast It has borne this name since 1700 in reference to a family of public figures, one of whom was a notary under Henri IV, another was a “garde manteau”, or forestry officer, under Louis XIV. - at no. 6, the façade features a little niche which shelters a statue of Saint Christopher. Opposite, through the wrought iron railings you can see the gardens of the Hôtel de Créquy, to which the entrance is located on Rue de Paris between nos. 10 and 12. Stage 10 - Rue du Vieux Marché The markets took place in this street from the moment they were initiated by François Premier in 1526. At the end of the 18th century, it was decided to move them to what is now Place du Marché Neuf, between Rue de Pologne and Rue de Poissy. Stage 11 - Rue des Louviers There are several theories as to where the term “louviers” comes from. It may be a deformation of the word “louvetier” meaning the officer serving as the Royal Wolfcatcher. Or, it may be a reference to the sheet merchants who came from the town of Louviers in Normandy. - at no. 15: The Institut Saint-Thomas-de-Villeneuve, the town’s oldest school, is still in use. - In the recess at no. 34, a niche shelters a statue of Saint Peter. Stage 12 - Rue des Ecuyers So-named since 1618, probably in reference to the numerous knights who lived in Saint-Germain-en-Laye along with their horsemen (“écuyers”). Opposite the school, you can see the coat of arms of Saint-Germain-en-Laye: a crib on a blue and gold background, with a fleur-de-lys. The inscription “5 septembre 1638” recalls the birth date of Louis XIV, who was born in our town. Stage 13 - Rue de la République - at no. 11: The chapel of the Institut Saint-Thomas-de-Villeneuve mentioned above (cf. Stage 12) features a peristyle built in 1788, with 4 Ionic columns. - nos. 24 and 26: Hôtel particulier of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Longueville, whose second wife, Anne-Geneviève de Bourbon, sister of the Great Condé and the Prince of Conti, was renowned for her great beauty in the 17th century. The mansion was entirely reworked in the 19th century. - at no. 27: An 18th-century building that has remained intact since its construction. The small balconies are Louis XV. Stage 14 - Rue de Pontoise - at no. 16: Hôtel de Ville de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, established here in 1842 in the former Hôtel de la Rochefoucauld which dates from the 18th century. Stage 15 - Rue d’Alsace - at no. 11: Hôtel de Noailles. The sumptuous mansion of the three Dukes of Noailles, who were town governors until the French Revolution, was built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Mozart stayed here in 1778. Stage 16 - Rue Roger de Nézot Named after Roger de Nézot, who was a town councillor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in the days of the Prussian occupation (1870-71). - at no. 9: Hôtel de Bontemps, who was Louis XIV’s first valet de chambre and confidant. Stage 17 - Place Charles de Gaulle You are standing opposite: • The Château-Vieux, which now houses the National Archaeology Museum. • The gardens of the National Domain. • Saint-Germain Church and its peristyle with 6 Ionic columns. Definitely worth a visit!

Marly le Roi owes its notoriety to Louis XIV who had his country residence built here. In the 19th century, artists came in search of tranquillity and inspiration. Nowadays, the village's picturesque little streets continue to attract and charm visitors! Departure point: Marly-le-Roi Information Point On Grande Rue, at No. 41: Until the 1970s, this beautiful property housed a hotel and restaurant, "Au Roi Soleil". Pierre Bourdan, a former presenter of France Libre for London radio, used to stay here, away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. At No. 46: Here once stood the Hôtel du Comte de Toulouse (named after the legitimate son of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan). At No. 39: Refurbished shops from the 17th and 18th centuries. Shops and royal nurseries used to fill the area between Rue Madame and Avenue des Combattants. Rue de Madame recalls the memory of Princess Palatine, the second wife of Philippe d'Orléans, brother of Louis XIV. She enjoyed staying in Marly. At No. 6: This is the house where one of the greatest crooks of the 20th century, Alexandre Stavisky, was arrested in July 1926. Stage 1 - Place de la Vierge The square, once known as "carrefour d'en bas", was located in the heart of Marly village. The statue of the Virgin pays tribute to the village's Notre Dame church which was destroyed at the end of the 17th century. Opposite, stands the former dwelling of the Pourvoyeurs du Roy, which belongs to the royal palace. Nearby, at No. 5 Rue Pasteur: Maison de la Blanchisserie du Château, another royal outhouse. There is still a wash house here. Opening onto this square is the Lycée Louis de Broglie, built in 1990 on the site of a property where the great tragedian, Rachel,once lived. Stage 2 - Place du Chenil Part of this square was once occupied by the ancient cemetery of Marly le Bourg, previously surrounded by the Prieuré Saint Etienne, Notre Dame church and the Hôtel Dieu. It is lined with some old houses, one of which was a key establishment in French cuisine for many years: the Auberge du Vieux Marly, where owner André Guillot welcomed many famous people. Opposite the town hall, is an enamelled plate reproduction of a painting by Alfred Sisley, "Place du Chenil at Marley, snow effect". This reproduction is found on the "Chemin des Impressionnistes" which stretches across eight towns and villages in the Seine loop. Hôtel de Ville and Parc du Chenil. During his stays in Marly, Louis XIV spent a great deal of time hunting in the forest. After becoming Lord of Marly le Bourg in 1693, he established his kennels in the gardens of the former seigniorial dwelling, and the great hunter, Monsieur de la Rochefoucauld, stayed in the renovated dovecote. The current building has retained some of its 18th-century structure, including the overall framework and the mascarons of the façade. The municipality purchased the building in 1966 and it has housed the council offices since 1988. Stage 3 - Hôtel Couvé An 18th-century hôtel particulier with a wrought iron balcony supported by corbels, cartouches and mascarons. It was used as the town hall between 1846 and 1988. The lower building, with a pediment and clock, was built in 1894 to house the boys' school. Rue Champflour. In the Middle Ages, this street, then called Rue de l'Hôtel Dieu, connected Marly le Bourg to Marley le Chastel. At No. 1bis: Maison "Champflour", a vast property built in the 17th century for an old Marly family and of which only the communal areas remain. After renovation and conversion work, the house was occupied by Alexandre Dumas junior from 1884 until he died in 1895. Stage 4 - Eglise Saint-Vigor Adjoining the castrum, the original church dedicated to Saint-Vigor was built in the 11th century. By order of the king, it was replaced by the current church which was built by Jules-Hardouin Mansart and Robert de Cotte, and consecrated in 1689. This rural but royal church is dedicated to Saint-Vigor and Saint-Etienne. Its classical sobriety is remarkable. The entrance is on the left-hand side, opposite the presbytery. The church was lavishly endowed by Louis XIV who came several times to attend service or Te Deum mass. Some liturgical items and paintings have been deposited at the Musée-Promenade de Marly-le-Roi - Louveciennes. Place Victorien Sardou Domaine du Berduron. In the 17th century, the property belonged to Louis Blouin, the first valet de chambre of Louis XIV. Substantially transformed, it was acquired in 1863 by Victorien Sardou, who established an orange orchard there. Château des Délices. Built in the 18th and 19th centuries, behind the church. The estate was taken over in 1955 by the Drouot group and today houses the regional headquarters of Assurances Axa. A beautiful construction with glass features which fits perfectly with its surroundings. Stage 5 - La Grande Rue The backbone of the ancient village which leads to the park entrance. This fairly steep street (Louis XIV called it the "very steep mountain" and had it paved in 1690), is lined with typical houses that make up a beautiful uniformity. It was inhabited in the 17th and 18th centuries by the winegrowers, tradesmen and craftsmen who worked for the palace, as well as noblemen, bourgeois and "scoundrels" wanting to gamble at the palace "casino". Worth noting: the old tile roofs, the hipped dormer windows and the little niches in the façades, housing protective saints. Rue Coysevox, at No. 12: Pretty country house with a hipped dormer window via which grain was hoisted to the attic with the help of a pulley system fixed under the roof overhang. Grande Rue, at No. 18: an old canted house with wrought iron window supports and an interior staircase with railings. At No. 19/21: A classical 17th and 18th century mansion. At No. 23: Outhouses of the Hôtel du Duc de Gèsvres, who was a Paris governer, built of 18th-century ashlar. Vast carriage gate with mascaron and small timber balcony, 19th century. At No. 27: In the courtyard, a typical country house with a balcony and covered gallery, 16th and 17th centuries. At No. 52: House with 3 mascarons and 2 bull's eye windows (Hôtel de Toulouse outhouses). End point: Tourist Office

This trail will take you from Chatou to Croissy-sur-Seine along the riverbank. You'll pass close to the former site of la Grenouillère, the famous "guingette" open-air café now celebrated at the Musée de la Grenouillère. Starting point - Parc des Impressionnistes Located on Chatou’s Ile des Impressionnistes, this park is year-round host to a number of events, including the famous Foire à la Brocante (bric-à-brac fair) that takes place in Chatou twice every year. Leave the car park behind you and head for the municipal buildings and Chatou pony club. Just afterwards you’ll find the 1st painting reproduction of this tour. Starting point - Parc des Impressionnistes Located on Chatou’s Ile des Impressionnistes, this park is year-round host to a number of events, including the famous Foire à la Brocante (bric-à-brac fair) that takes place in Chatou twice every year. Leave the car park behind you and head for the municipal buildings and Chatou pony club. Just afterwards you’ll find the 1st painting reproduction of this tour. Stage 1 – Chatou Bridge (reproduction no. 1) Walk along the Seine (on your right) and pass under the railway bridge. You are on the Mail des Impressionnistes which takes you to the Chatou bridge access ramp. Go up the access ramp and turn right on Chatou bridge. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Seine. Follow the bridge towards Chatou town centre. At the end of the bridge, follow the pavement then, on your left, the path across Square Réalier Dumas. Take the steps down to Quai Jean Mermoz. Turn right on the quay and, when you reach the traffic lights, cross at the pedestrian crossing. Continue straight on towards Croissy-sur-Seine. (River Seine on your left) Once under the railway bridge, go down to Quai Maxime Laubeuf. Continue straight on to Croissy-sur-Seine. On your right is a beautiful row of houses, known as the Riviera of the Seine riverbank! Stage 2 - La Grenouillère (reproduction no. 2) Go straight on until you reach Berge de la Grenouillère. On your right is the Parc du Prieuré and the Chapelle Saint-Léonard. A little further on is the Espace Chanorier which houses the Château Chanorier, now home to an Italian restaurant and a lego exhibition, as well as the Musée de la Grenouillère and the Pavillon d'Histoire Locale. Stage 3 - Bathing at La Grenouillère (reproduction no. 3) Continue onto Berge de la Prairie. As you approach the bridge between Croissy-sur-Seine and Bougival, walk through the park on your right to reach the bridge, and cross the Seine towards Bougival. Half way there, on your left, you'll come across a ramp leading to Ile de la Chaussée. Take the ramp. Stage 4 - The Bridge at Bougival and Banks of the Seine (reproduction no. 4 and no. 5) At the bottom of the ramp, turn right to see the last two painting reproductions of this itinerary.

A special place, assembling a collection of objects associated with the famous French composer in the house where he was born: Claude Debussy's birthplace is located in the historic quarter of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It was in this 17-century house in the town that Claude Debussy was born, on 22 August 1862, and spent his early childhood. His father ran a china shop on the ground floor. After the composer's death in 1918, it soon became the main gathering place of his many admirers. Once inside, you will discover a wonderful little inner courtyard, where a splendid wooden staircase will lead you up to the museum. The museum, officially recognised as a 'Maison des illustres' ('Houses of the Famous'), displays objects and photographs that help provide a better understanding of the composer's creative process. In fact, Debussy liked to surround himself with objects from different places and artistic movements, which influenced his music. For example, a Japanese lacquered panel, which came from his Parisian mansion, depicting two fish swimming under a willow, musically metamorphosed into 'Poissons d'or', a piano piece (1907). A small museum but a grand tribute to one of France's greatest composers!

The Fournaise museum proposes a meeting with the artist during a show, punctuated by digital animations and videos, in the middle of the atmosphere recreated by the sets of theaters. of the museum. One hundred years after his death, Renoir is back in Chatou hologram! Familiarly, he tells us about his vision of painting, the harsh criticisms of his contemporaries, his workshop secrets, his loves, his relatives ... and the fertile inspiration drawn from the banks of the Seine. At the time of the first scandals, Durand-Ruel and some amateurs give him a decisive support by buying him paintings. Alphonse Fournaise is one of the first! He ordered his portrait and that of his daughter for 200 francs. For more than ten years, Renoir made frequent stays at home and around Chatou where he painted about thirty paintings. Aged nearly forty, he began the ambitious Breakfast of the Boaters. This painting, painted on the balcony of the Maison Fournaise, is the result of long research. The painter feels then that he has arrived "at the end of impressionism". This great admirer of the masters of the Italian Renaissance dreams of making this work a bridge between Veronese, Raphael and the modern life of his century. Retained at the Fournaise by his painting in 1880, he wrote to Monsieur de Bellio: "You will not regret your trip. It is the most beautiful place around Paris. " To complete your experience in the footsteps of Renoir, go back in time on the Fournaise hamlet thanks to the virtual reality helmets, wander among the characters of the Breakfast of the boaters with the tactile tablets or create your own work according to the master in painting Virtual. In this unprecedented show, technology offers an innovative, fun and surprising approach to an immersive journey in the heart of the painter's Impressionist years in Chatou. - Departures of visits every 30 minutes. Come 15 to 20 minutes in advance. - Duration of the show: about 60 minutes

This little gem awaits you on the Ile des Impressionnistes in Chatou : visit the workshops of the Sequana association ! In addition to the visit of the worshop, short cruises aboard the electric-powered boat "Chloé" are possible in spring and summer. Sequana restores and sometimes buids replicas of the boats used during the boating era: yoles, 'périssoires' (a type of dinghy), canoes and sailing boats. The association also does historical research and takes part in various nautical events and festivals. In Spring and Summer, Chloé, an electric boat, accepts 9 passengers in addition to the pilot and the sailor for a guided tour on the Seine. In times of Covid, cruises are limited to 6 people or 9 if they belong to the same family.

Located in the heart of Impressionist country, close to Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Versailles, the serviced apartments of Residhome Carrières La Défense benefit from an outstanding location. The residential hotel is close to the picturesque town centre, restaurants and shops. It is within easy reach of Paris and the business district of La Défense, with fast access to RER A and Transilien rail services. Carrières-sur-Seine is a town with a country feel. For nearly two centuries it has been the charming green backdrop to pleasant walks, with its Parc de la Mairie (a classified "monument historique" site), washhouse, tithe warehouse, troglodyte houses, windmill, etc. Other sites and features in the area include: the Château de Versailles, the Château de Monte Cristo, a ride aboard the Dénicheur, the Impressionist cruise, the Serre aux Papillons (butterfly farm), the Parc Zoologique de Thoiry, and the Club Hippique de la Jonction at Saint-Germain-en-Laye (riding stables - hacking in the national forest), the Golf de l'Ile Fleurie, etc.

Mont Valerien : the memorial of fighting France The Mont-Valérien memorial was the main place of execution by the German army on French territory during World War II. These men, murdered because they were resistance fighters condemned to death or hostages, Jews and Communists, are all reminders of our history which naturally made this site a Mecca of national memory. After the war, the site was chosen by General de Gaulle to honor the memory of the Dead for France from 1939 to 1945; he inaugurated the memorial of fighting France there on June 18, 1960. Inside the site, the “Remembrance Trail” allows you to follow the path of those who were about to be shot: from the chapel, the walls of which still keep traces of graffiti engraved by convicts, in the clearing of the executed. The discovery of the Mont-Valérien memorial allows us to better understand what the German repression was, the French collaboration, and what was the journey of those "who loved life to death.

The Petit Trianon was built between 1763 and 1768 by the architect Gabriel, requested by Madame de Pompadour, mistress then friend of king Louis XV. Mme de Pompadour was the former mistress of the king but still his friend. She was the instigator of this little palace, built by Gabriel from 1763 to 1768 near the botanical gardens and the new menagerie to entertain him with one of his passions : sciences. To please the Marchioness, always aware of the last trend, the architect changed his rocky aesthetics to adopt pure lines and cubic shape. It was the latest architectural style, called “the Greek style”. It is not as simple as it looks like : each frontage is different, built to reply to its surrounding : the Courtyard, the French Garden and its lovely pavilion, the Botanical Garden and the Flower Garden. Even inside we find a modern style. The decoration of the Small Trianon is more simple than the rest of the estate. It is not about materials, you will notice the absence of gold for example, but more about the fineness and elegance of the sculptures dedicate, like the palace, to nature. Sadly, Mme de Pompadour died before the completion of the Palace in 1764. Nowadays it keeps the souvenir of an other inhabitant : Louis XVI made a gift of the Trianon Estate to his queen Marie-Antoinette in 1774. She lived there a distant life from the court, maybe too distant for some of the courtier.

The Grand Trianon was built in 1687 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Thus, the King Louis XIV could escape from all the ceremony of the Court and relax in the company of his concubines. The Grand Trianon is based on the Italian architecture and invites you to poetry and wandering. One little story: the Grand Trianon used to be surrounded by thousands of flowers in pots that were changed every day. Even now, this tradition is carried on every season. The display was amazing: we could admire flowerbeds of all colours and we could smell lots of scents. Thereafter, the Grand Trianon was frequented by Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Presidents.

ArrayYour Experience Use Your Passport to Tour the Château de Versailles Your ticket gives you access to the most famous places within the royal estate including the Royal Palace, the Park, Gardens, Marie Antoinette’s Estate, and entry to any exhibitions on show at the time of your visit. If you plan to visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it’s worth paying the extra €8 for an upgraded Passport ticket, which includes access to the Musical Fountain and Garden shows. Learn About the French Monarchy with the Help of a Multilingual Audio Guide Upon entering the Palace, collect your complimentary audio guide from one of the two pick-up counters located on the ground floor, one at the entrance to the Apartment Ladies and the other at the entrance to the Gallery of Castles. Audio guides are available in 11 languages: Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! Explore 250 Acres of Gorgeously Landscaped Lawns and Fountains After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds, through the beautiful French gardens, and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. Next, stop by the Estate of Marie Antoinette and discover the life and antics of the Queen at the Petit Trianon. Walk around the Village of the Queen and English gardens, then see where Marie Antoinette built her own house, a Mill, a Preparation Dairy, a Cave, a Belvedere and the magnificent Temple of Love where lovers get engage. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time and would prefer to skip the long lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save your time. If you’d like to maximize your time at the palace of Versailles and get a more in depth Castle experience, click here. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

Listed as a World Heritage Site for 1979 years, the Château de Versailles is one of the finest achievements of 17th century French art. The Château and the Trianon estate are open every day except Monday. The Château opens at 9am, the Trianon estate only opens from 12pm. The Park and gardens are open every day and free of charge (access to the gardens is subject to a charge on the days of the Grandes Eaux Musicales and Nocturnes and during the Jardins Musicaux). Access to the Park only through the Queen's Gate (for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles every day), through the Saint-Antoine Gate (for pedestrians and cyclists every day and for vehicles at weekends and public holidays) and through the Sailors' Gate (for pedestrians and cyclists every day) from 7am to 8.30pm, with the last access at 6.15pm in the high season and from 8am to 6pm in the low season The Hall of Mirrors, the King's Apartments, the Museum of French History: over the centuries, the Palace of Versailles, the seat of power until 1789, has never ceased to expand. At the beginning, it was only a modest castle built by Louis XIII for hunting. However, Louis XIV chose this site to build the palace we know today, a symbol of royal absolutism and the embodiment of French classical art. In the 1670s, Louis XIV had the Grand Apartments of the King and Queen fitted out. The most emblematic achievement of these spaces, places of parade and reception par excellence, remains the Hall of Mirrors designed by Mansart. In the following century, the extensions continued, notably with the construction of the Chapel and the Opera House. The Château now has 63,154 m2 divided into 2,300 rooms. Although the Château lost its vocation as the official seat of power in 1789, in the 19th century it had a new destiny: to become the Museum of the History of France, as desired by Louis-Philippe, who came to the throne in 1830. Many of the rooms in the Château then housed the new collections retracing the great events of French history, which were enriched until the beginning of the 20th century.

Created in 2003 by Bartabas at the Grande Écurie of the Château de Versailles, the Académie Équestre de Versailles is a unique corps de ballet, based as much on transmission as on the art of performance. Within the walls that once housed King Louis XIV's steeds, the Académie équestre de Versailles brings together some thirty horses and the equestrian and artistic activities that have made it a recognised institution. In the Manège de la Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles, the Académie presents "La Voie de l'écuyère", choreographed by Bartabas and a reflection of this school company. Lasting one hour, this show is not simply a dressage rehearsal set to music, but a poetic representation of the rider-horse couple's apprenticeship. Dates and times: From 21 February 2024, every Saturday (6pm) and Sunday (3pm), as well as Wednesdays during school holidays outside the summer (3pm). Details : Show lasts 1 hour. Suitable for children aged 6 and over. Free tour of the stables after the show for ticket holders.

Saint-Germain-en-Laye has many private mansions; relive the times of Louis XIV by visiting the one that belonged to the Duchess of Noailles. Built between 1678 and 1682 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV's chief architect, at the request of the Duke of Noailles, this house was split into two in 1832 when the rue d'Alsace was created. Today, the property's owner opens his marvellous house to visitors during the summer. You will see salons decorated with 18th-century panelling and gardens adorned with sculptures, which are listed in the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques, as are the roofs and façades. You can book your visit with the tourist office and pay at the house on the day.

Many 16th-century kings and their landscape architects strove to make the Domaine National a rare gem featuring some of the most beautiful gardens of Ile-de-France. One of the main features of the Domaine de Saint-Germain is its famous Terrasse, which was designed by Louis XIV's head gardener, André Le Nôtre, and offers a superb view across western Paris. But the Domaine National also incorporates 70 hectares of protected spaces designed during the 16th, 17th and 19th centuries. Henri IV was the main person responsible for enhancing this park by building here, in the 16th century, a succession of six terraces leading down to the Seine, as well as arched galleries and some sumptuous grottoes. Later, during the reign of Louis XIII, the gardens lost their splendour, and it was Louis XIV who commissioned Le Nôtre to create new ones, from 1662 to 1674, giving rise to the famous "parterre de broderie" gardens. As a result, walkers and joggers benefit from the French gardens with suggestive names, such as the Boulingrin, the Grand Parterre and the Jardin de la Dauphine. As for the English garden, this was created in 1845 by the Crown Estate engineer, Loaisel de Tréogate. It was built on a parcel of forestland and features some remarkable trees. Nowadays, the Domaine attracts families, having adapted to become a recreational space with play areas and restaurants which open in the summer season for lunches and snacks.

The Château-Vieux de Saint-Germain has welcomed many kings over the centuries, up to the time of Napoleon III, who turned it into the Musée d'Archéologie nationale that we know today. Come and learn about its history. / A ROYAL RESIDENCE / The imposing Château de Saint-Germain with its elegant Renaissance-style profile is in fact the third of a series that was begun by Louis VI in the 12th century. The first fortress, which became a ruin after the Hundred Years' War, gave way to a second building with a pentagonal shape commissioned by Charles V. It was François I who finally instigated the building of the Renaissance château, which was designed by Pierre Chambiges. François I and the kings that succeeded him stayed here often. Henri II continued the work initiated by his father and began construction of the Château-Neuf, where Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638. It was Henri IV who finished this building. Overlooking the Seine, it was a real pleasure palace for the king and the court. The king added terraced gardens, which stretched down to the river. The Château-Neuf de Saint-Germain was at that time one of the finest in Europe. Under the reign of Louis XIV, Saint-Germain became the seat of the kingdom's government and the Château-Vieux was the king's main residence from 1666 to 1682, when the court left for Versailles; the layout of the city centre dates from this time. Some important events took place in the château, including the christening of Louis, Grand Dauphin, and the marriage of Mlle de Lois and the Prince de Conti; it was the scene of grand festivities, too: concerts, balls and theatrical performances. The King particularly favoured the worked of Molière and Lully. Towards the end of the 18th century, the Château-Neuf, which was already in a state of disrepair due to a lack of maintenance, was abandoned. Today, only a few remains, including the Rampe des Grottes and the Mur des Lions, recall its former existence. / TODAY'S MUSÉE D'ARCHÉOLOGIE NATIONALE / Napoleon III had the Château-Vieux restored by Eugène Millet, who notably destroyed the corner pavilions that Louis XIV had added. In 1867, the Emperor set up the 'Musée d’antiquités celtiques et gallo-romaines' here. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie nationale. The old rooms of this Renaissance building display some of the finest archeological collections in the world. / THE CHÂTEAU'S COURTYARD AND CHAPEL / It was Louis IX, known as Saint Louis, who, in 1230–38, added a chapel whose style prefigured that of the Sainte-Chapelle de Paris. Many royal christenings and marriages took place here. Later, François I, adding bricks to stone, built the Renaissance château that you can discover today. And it was in the palace chapel that he married Claude of France on 18 May 1514. In the courtyard, a hidden trompe-l'œil presents itself to keen-eyed visitors. See if you can find it! As you enter the Rayonnant Gothic-style chapel, the oldest of the preserved buildings, look up and admire the corners of the rib vaults and their seven ronde-bosse heads, and have some fun seeing if you can spot that of Saint Louis! Free admission except during certain temporary exhibitions.

The Château Vieux de Saint-Germain-en-Laye holds historical secrets within its walls. Uncover mysteries from the Paleolithic Era to the Early Middle Ages at the Musée d'Archéologie nationale de Saint-Germain. The museum offers guided tours and activities for children that will help you understand, learn about and be amazed by its archaeological finds. It also offers a free mobile app to assist you during your visit that will enable you to discover the wealth and variety of the collections. 'Décourvrir les collections' is the first tour offered by the 'ArcheoMAN' app. A real journey through time, the tour begins with the Megaloceros skull in the Paleolithic gallery and ends with Viking armoury of the Early Middle Ages. The 70 objects presented on the app will lead you through the ages and give you a guided tour of the museum's galleries. After you've visited the château and its collections, head for the roof gardens for – weather permitting – an exceptional view of the whole of the estate and the Seine Valley, which stetches out at your feet!

A special place, assembling a collection of objects associated with the famous French composer in the house where he was born: Claude Debussy's birthplace is located in the historic quarter of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It was in this 17-century house in the town that Claude Debussy was born, on 22 August 1862, and spent his early childhood. His father ran a china shop on the ground floor. After the composer's death in 1918, it soon became the main gathering place of his many admirers. Once inside, you will discover a wonderful little inner courtyard, where a splendid wooden staircase will lead you up to the museum. The museum, officially recognised as a 'Maison des illustres' ('Houses of the Famous'), displays objects and photographs that help provide a better understanding of the composer's creative process. In fact, Debussy liked to surround himself with objects from different places and artistic movements, which influenced his music. For example, a Japanese lacquered panel, which came from his Parisian mansion, depicting two fish swimming under a willow, musically metamorphosed into 'Poissons d'or', a piano piece (1907). A small museum but a grand tribute to one of France's greatest composers!

The museum was created in 1872 from the very rich collection of works of art bequeathed to the City by Louis-Alexandre Ducastel. It has since continued to grow rich thanks to donations from art lovers and Saint-German artists, including the sculptor Honoré Icard, the painters François Bonvin, Édouard Detaille, Maurice Denis, and especially Paul Vera and his brother. André, urban planner and garden theoretician who, in 1968, donated numerous works and the entire collection of their studio to the City. Since 2002, the museum has benefited from the “Musée de France” label. The Municipal Collections service ensures the preservation, restoration, study and presentation to the public of nearly 9,000 works ranging from Egyptian antiquity to the 20th century – including a vast graphic set (drawings and prints) – and the one of the best preserved apothecaries in France. Since 2021, the museum bears the name of Ducastel-Vera.

The Rampe des Grottes, the Mur des Lions and the Pavillons Henri IV (where Louis XIV was baptised) and Sully (situated at Pecq) are the last remaining vestiges of the Château-Neuf and the magnificent composition of terraced gardens leading down to the Seine. The Rampe des Grottes was once fitted out in grand style: the hydraulic diversions gave much pleasure to Henri IV and his guests. It led from the bottom of the terraced gardens to the Château-neuf. Distinguished artists, including the Francini brothers, collaborated to create seven artificial grottoes beneath the terraces, each one housing amazing automatons. A SITE REWARDED IN 2017 Today, the Rampe des Grottes is classed as a Monument Historique, and in 2017, it was presented with the 'Rubans du patrimoine' regional award. THE RAMPE REKINDLED FOR 2017 HERITAGE DAYS In 2017, for the European Heritage Days, the Carabosse company decided to illuminate the Rampe by lighting it up with 1000 flames. Wrought-iron installations brought to life mechanically, eclectic music concerts and flaming torches placed from top to bottom of the Rampe revitalised this prestigious place. In addition to the Rampe des Grottes, other vestiges of Saint-Germain-en-Laye's second château remain: the Mur des Lions and the Pavillons Henri IV (where Louis XIV was baptised) and Sully (situated at Pecq). All have been restored, or have today found a new purpose, like the Hôtel-Restaurant Pavillon Henri IV. Listen to the podcast of an interview with Victoria Bernard (tourist advisor at the Office de Tourisme) by France Bleu during a guided tour of Saint-Germain-en-Laye: https://www.francebleu.fr/emissions/le-tour-de-l-ile-de-france-en-40-jours-09h45/107-1/etape-2-visiste-guidee-de-saint-germain-en-laye

A testimony of the heavy German presence at Saint-Germain during the Occupation, more than a dozen bunkers still exist here, hidden around the town. They are an integral part of the urban landscape even though few of them are visible. Between 1940 and 1944, nearly 20,000 Germain soldiers and officers occupied the town, which was the general staff headquarters of German forces in the occupied zone. Built in large numbers, these bunkers were mainly civil defence structures. The best known is undoubtedly the one on Rue Félicien David. Partially buried underground, it could house several hundred soldiers and provide them with safe shelter in case of bombings. One of its rooms received all telephone lines from the Atlantic front for the Commander in Chief, Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt. The Saint-Germain-en-Laye bunkers are located at: - Parc du Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye - Cité Médicis, rue Thiers - Pavillon Henri IV, below the Hôtel - Quartier Gramont, rue Saint-Louis - 25 bis rue Alexandre Dumas - Villa David, rue Alexandre Dumas - Collège Marcel-Roby, two structures hidden in the park - Rue Félicien-David, the shelter for von Rundstedt's command centre - 4 rue Félicien-David, shooting post extending onto the street - 13 rue des Monts-Grevets, gun-turret placed in a garden - 6 bis boulevard Victor-Hugo, now a garage - 10 ter boulevard Victor-Hugo, shelter covered with vegetation For safety reasons, access to the bunkers is now prohibited.

The Maurice Denis departmental museum conceals a dense history in the maze of its vaulted corridors and gives pride of place to symbolist and Nabis painters whose works are revealed during your journey. Discover a garden dotted with sculptures and planted with tall trees, below a terrace and a former 17th century hospital. Now listed as a historic monument, this imposing building built at the end of the 17th century at the request of Madame de Montespan was then a royal general hospital which welcomed the needy. In 1914 Maurice Denis acquired this building in the garden of which he already had a workshop. He restored it, named it "The Priory" and lived there with his family until the end of his life. The initial fund of the museum was constituted by an exceptional donation made in 1976 by the family of Maurice Denis. Since then, numerous donations and acquisitions of works by Symbolist and Nabis artists, this innovative artistic movement at the crossroads of the 19th and 20th centuries, have enriched it. Thus, alongside the works of Maurice Denis illustrating religious and family themes, intimate scenes, or landscapes of Italy and Brittany, are exhibited paintings by Sérusier, Bonnard, Ranson, Vuilliard,... among the friends of the artist. . Do not miss to enter the chapel of the old hospital, one of the treasures of the place. The unique decor is the most complete and characteristic religious pictorial ensemble of the artist. Tiered on the hillside, the garden in which the museum is nestled invites you to stroll by offering varied landscapes and a rich botanical trail. Around the museum, a first level decorated with sculptures by Antoine Bourdelle, a close friend of the owner of the premises, is made up of a shaded courtyard and a long terrace lined with lime trees and hundred-year-old yews. From there, you reach the alley of the rose garden and a vast green theater lined with tall trees. Below stretch the old orchard and the vegetable garden, embellished with a fountain and a pond. Strolling through this harmonious garden provides a better understanding of the importance of nature in the painter's work and life. The garden space is now the privileged setting for plastic arts workshops and open-air concerts... A museum and a collection to discover without delay in the heart of Saint-Germain-en-Laye! Attention people with reduced mobility will not be able to access the floors, the elevator was out of order for an indefinite period.

The Parc départemental de la boucle de Montesson, which stretches out over 20 hectares (50 acres), conceals some rare species and reveals an area listed as a natural zone of ecological interest, the Étang de l'Epinoche. The Parc départemental de la boucle consists of a landscaped park, the Domaine de la Brode, a Maison du Parc, an arboretum-type space and an ornithological reserve with its own observation area. The pond and reed bed make this park a popular spot for fishermen and walkers as well as children, who have a large playground. Come and enjoy this green oasis, which attracts visitors from all over the region and offers a variety of activities throughout the year.

It is in a restaurant in the at the same time sober contemporary frame and colored in the red notes on bottom cremate, adorned with the paintings of the Danish artist Inger Birn and with Jean Campaque's sculptures the chef Pierre Négrevergne you made share a cooking to the crossing of the luxury gastronomy

The restaurant La Plage: exceptional Frame, unique terrace, a perspective in 180 °, Paris and the Seine in your feet

A few steps away from the Eiffel Tower, Jérôme GANGNEUX and his wife Cathy proposes you a greedy cooking inspired by the traditional directory, in a smart contemporary frame. Conceivedin the bright tones, playing on the materials natural as the wood and the leather, this sophisticated space offers a warm atmosphere. 

At the heart of the luxuriant garden of the Quai Branly Museum, perched on the roof-terrace, the restaurant LES OMBRES offers a unique panoramic view on Paris, in the shade of her neighbor, the Eiffel Tower, which throws in the daytime its metallic laces on tablecloths and in the evening, fires the room.

Situated right in the heart of the "golden triangle", the luxury brasserie at Francis offers conditions favored to take advantage of the show of the most luxurious Parisian places. It is comfortably settled in this smart brasserie or in the terrace that you can admire the Eiffel Tower, in front of you.

OPEN EVERY DAY OF 10 hours(am) TO 2 hours OF THE MORNINGIt is with happiness and enthuses that Éric Frechon, Chef triply studed, took up the challenge. He imagined a cooking which looks like him

Rosa Bonheur joins in the tradition of the establishments of the beginning of the last century and is in Paris of today. " En attendant Rosa " is the terrace which precedes the opening of the barge Rosa Bonheur. Find on the terrace a selection of the products of the guingnette, the preparations are in free service at the counter, establish your tray and take advantage of the atmosphere.

Situated near Concorde and near the Musée du Louvre, at the foot of the Musée d'Orsay Its exceptional frame, with its window of 260 m ² and its floating terrace of 200 m ² on the water, offers a panoramic view on the Seine and Paris Historique.

A set of 15 cafés, restaurants, and points of sale to be taken are present on the whole domain of the Louvre. Distributed between the museum of Louvre, the garden of the Carousel and the garden of the Tuileries

Cafés of the Pyramid propose, at the heart of the Musée du Louvre, three friendly spaces of restoration to have a small break and taste diverse culinary specialities

An entirely renovated Campanile hotel which invites you to enjoy the calm of this residential district of Montesson Located 15 km from Porte Maillot, our establishment offers a strategic position for business travellers in north-western Paris. Close to Saint-Germain en Laye, Le Vésinet, Port-Marly and Le Pecq, the hotel is easily accessible from the A86, A13 and A14 motorways. Le Vésinet-Le Pecq RER train station (line A serving La Défense and the centre of Paris) is a 15-minute walk away, Use your leisure time here to visit the Palace of Versailles or the Château de Maisons-Laffitte, both within easy reach of our hotel which proposes bright, modern 3-star rooms in Montesson. Our rooms are air-conditioned and sound-proofed and boast a contemporary style. Recently renovated in line with New Generation standards, they feature all the modern comforts needed for a restful stay. The hotel has 3 specially-adapted rooms to accommodate people with disabilities. To make your stay even more pleasant, you can also enjoy the television channels Canal + and Bein Sport, free of charge. We have a restaurant and terrace, as well as a secured indoor car park. In its lush green setting, our restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a modern, convivial venue that opens onto a shady terrace accommodating up to 35 people. Our chefs propose traditional French cuisine and seasonal dishes concocted from fresh ingredients. Our all-you-can-eat buffet menus for adults and children will satisfy every appetite,

Located in the heart of Impressionist country, close to Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Versailles, the serviced apartments of Residhome Carrières La Défense benefit from an outstanding location. The residential hotel is close to the picturesque town centre, restaurants and shops. It is within easy reach of Paris and the business district of La Défense, with fast access to RER A and Transilien rail services. Carrières-sur-Seine is a town with a country feel. For nearly two centuries it has been the charming green backdrop to pleasant walks, with its Parc de la Mairie (a classified "monument historique" site), washhouse, tithe warehouse, troglodyte houses, windmill, etc. Other sites and features in the area include: the Château de Versailles, the Château de Monte Cristo, a ride aboard the Dénicheur, the Impressionist cruise, the Serre aux Papillons (butterfly farm), the Parc Zoologique de Thoiry, and the Club Hippique de la Jonction at Saint-Germain-en-Laye (riding stables - hacking in the national forest), the Golf de l'Ile Fleurie, etc.

Opening 02/04/2020 > 01/11/2020 Have a desire to visit Paris and the Palace of Versailles? Choose the Huttopia Versailles campsite! This 3-star campsite with a heated swimming pool is the ideal departure point for some wonderful family excursions!

Discover the charm and the glamour of a hotel of luxury situated at the heart of the capital. Take advantage of its swimming pool, its terrace and its Special offer Summer

A villa-like hotel, the BEST WESTERN Montcalm is set in the residential quarter of the 15th arrondissement, nestled among the flowers and quiet of a beautiful garden.

Recently renovated and scented with the unique fragrance of amber, the hotel's 146 spacious rooms and 45 suites are a showcase of French taste at its very best. 

Welcome to Paris in a hotel in the refined comfort! The Alyss Saphir Cambronne Eiffel hotel ** is situated in the district of the Champ de Mars, close to the Eiffel Tower and near the Exhibition center of the Porte de Versailles.

Based in the middle of the 19th century, the Hotel du Rond Point is ideally situated, right in the heart of Paris, just a step from the Champs-Elysées, of the Louvre, of la Concorde, the avenue Montaigne and the street of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

The hotel Ibis Paris cambronne Eiffel Tower is situated at the heart of Paris a few minutes away from the Eiffel Tower, of Bateaux Mouches and the Champs-Elysées. The Station Montparnasse is 2 subway accessible on foot stations or by car.

Bristol Paris is a unique place in the capital, by its exemplary service and its big refinement. Situated on the elegant street of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, at the heart of the district of the fashion and the arts, the hotel welcomes since 1925 it customers favored in its 188 rooms and suites, spacious and bright, decorated in a pure XVIIIth style.