Saint-Germain-en-Laye Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, food, and more.


Introduction to Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a charming town located in the western suburbs of Paris, France, in the Île-de-France region. Known for its rich cultural heritage, lush greenery, and picturesque beauty, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a popular tourist destination offering a perfect blend of history, art, and nature.

List of Places to Visit in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Below are some of the top tourist attractions that the town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye has to offer:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: a magnificent royal palace turned museum, which showcases French history and art.
  • The Musée d’archéologie nationale: a fascinating museum housing a vast collection of prehistoric and Gallo-Roman artifacts.
  • The Musée Maurice Denis: a beautiful museum dedicated to the works of the famous Nabi painter Maurice Denis, with stunning gardens.

Natural Attractions of Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye: an expanse of forest covering almost 3,500 hectares, providing ample opportunities for hiking, walking, and cycling.
  • The Parc du Château: a lovely park that surrounds the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, offering a beautiful view of the city.
  • The Seine River: a serene river that runs through the town, offering scenic boat rides.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers many hiking and biking trails, providing visitors with the chance to explore the town’s scenic and natural beauty. Some of the best routes include:

  • The Promenade André-Malraux: a 4 km walk along the Seine River, offering stunning views and a chance to explore the historic town.
  • The Forest Trail: a 13 km hike through the Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, displaying breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Activities and Tours

The town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers ample opportunities to engage in various activities and tours, including:

  • Art and history tours to explore the town’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Wine and cheese tasting tours to explore the town’s culinary delights.
  • Bicycle tours to explore the town’s natural beauty on two wheels.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Day 1: Visit the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye and its museum, followed by a walk in the Parc du Château.

Day 2: Explore the Musée d’archéologie nationale and take a walk around the charming old town.

Day 3: Take a boat ride along the Seine River, followed by a visit to the Musée Maurice Denis and its gardens.

Day 4: Go on a hike in the Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and explore its natural beauty.

Day 5: Take a trip to nearby Versailles and visit the stunning Palace of Versailles.

Day 6: Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting tour and sample some of the town’s finest culinary delights.

Day 7: Take a bike tour around the town and its outskirts, exploring hidden gems and enjoying the scenic beauty.

Food and Drink Scene of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers a fantastic food and drink scene, which tourists should not miss out on. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pot-au-feu: a hearty and flavorsome stew made with beef and vegetables.
  • Crème fraîche: a sour cream-like spread used in various dishes.
  • Coq au vin: a classic French dish made with chicken cooked in red wine.

Local Beverages

  • Cider: a refreshing and lightly alcoholic drink made of fermented apple juice.
  • Champagne: a sparkling wine made of grapes, known for its fine bubbles and delicate taste.
  • Absinthe: a strong alcoholic drink made from wormwood, known for its licorice-like flavor.

Where to Stay in Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Some of the best options include:

  • Hôtel Mercure Paris Ouest Saint-Germain: a luxurious hotel located in the heart of town, with beautifully decorated rooms and excellent amenities.
  • Hôtel Rythme: a cozy and quaint hostel offering affordable prices and a laid-back atmosphere.
  • La Villa des Impressionnistes: a charming guesthouse offering a warm and welcoming environment, with an outdoor pool and a spa.

What to Buy in Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Saint-Germain-en-Laye is known for its eclectic mix of shops and stores, offering a range of souvenirs and local products to take home as gifts. Some of the popular items include:

  • French cheese and wine: the town offers a rich variety of local cheese and wine, ideal for foodies and wine enthusiasts.
  • Perfume: the town is known for its unique and exclusive perfumes.
  • Art and crafts: the town has many art galleries and workshops that sell original art and crafts, making them perfect souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers a fascinating blend of French and local traditions and customs that add to the town’s charm and character. Some customs and traditions include:

  • Speaking French: while most locals speak English, it is polite to greet them in French.
  • The Rendez-vous de la Marine: an annual event that celebrates the town’s history and heritage, with a parade, concerts, and other cultural activities.
  • Respect for nature: the town takes pride in its natural beauty, and it is customary for visitors to respect and appreciate it.

Best Time to Visit Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The best time to visit Saint-Germain-en-Laye is between late spring and early autumn, from May to September, when the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, the town is beautiful all year round, and each season offers a unique and distinct experience.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Do:

  • Greet locals in French.
  • Respect the natural beauty of the town.
  • Enjoy the local food and drink scene.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Be rude or impolite to locals.
  • Disrespect the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a generally safe and peaceful town, but visitors should take the same precautions as they would in any other big city, such as being aware of their surroundings and keeping valuables safe.

Health in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

France has an excellent public health system, and Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers many locally-run hospitals and clinics that provide top-quality health care services that visitors may require.

Getting to Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Transportation Options and Logistics

Saint-Germain-en-Laye is well-connected to nearby cities and towns, making it easy for visitors to reach. Some of the most convenient transportation options include:

Airports Near Saint-Germain-en-Laye

  • Charles de Gaulle Airport: the largest international airport in France, located 40 km from Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
  • Orly Airport: a major airport located 30 km from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, serving primarily European destinations.

Bus Stations Near Saint-Germain-en-Laye

  • Gare Saint-Lazare: a busy transport hub located in central Paris, well-connected to Saint-Germain-en-Laye via trains and buses.
  • Paris Porte Maillot: a bus and shuttle hub, located 20 km from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, offering services to different parts of France and Europe.

Other Options

  • Car rentals: visitors can rent a car at any major airport or train station to reach Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
  • Private taxis: visitors can hire a private taxi service to travel to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which is a convenient option.

How to Get Around in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a small town, and travelers can easily explore it on foot or by using the town’s public transportation system. The most convenient options include:

  • Bus: the town has an extensive bus network called STAS (Société de transport de l’agglomération de Saint-Germain-en-Laye), which connects all the major attractions of the town.
  • Train: the town has two train stations, Saint-Germain-en-Laye Bel Air Fourqueux and Saint-Germain-en-Laye Grande-Ceinture, that connect to nearby towns and cities.
  • Bicycle: travelers can rent a bike at one of the many bike rental shops and explore the town’s natural beauty.

Where to Go Next from Saint-Germain-en-Laye: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Saint-Germain-en-Laye is conveniently located close to many other major tourist destinations in France, including:

  • Paris: the city of love and lights is less than 30 minutes by train from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and a must-visit destination for any traveler.
  • Versailles: another jewel in the crown of French history and architecture, and located only a short distance from Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
  • Giverny: a beautiful town, famous for the home and gardens of the famous artist Claude Monet, located an hour and a half drive from Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a beautiful town with a rich cultural heritage, lush greenery, and picturesque beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or a foodie, the town offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to explore the charming town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.