Saint germain en laye

Castles, museums, and monuments in Yvelines to visit for free on Sunday, February 1, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month

On the first Sunday of every month, many landmarks, castles, museums, and historic sites across the Yvelines open their doors to the public for free. However, this isn’t the case for all sites year-round. To help you plan your visit, here’s a list of cultural attractions in the 78 that you can explore this Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Revisit the Château-Neuf: the exhibition on the lost royal residence of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78)

The Château-Neuf of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a lost Renaissance treasure, is coming back to life this winter. Through an exhibition blending archival materials and 3D reconstructions, embark on a digital journey to rediscover this forgotten palace. The exhibit runs until March 8, 2026, at the Ducastel-Vera Museum.

This city in the Yvelines also celebrates Chinese New Year 2026—check out the free events lineup.

The Chinese New Year celebration is making its return to Saint-Germain-en-Laye on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Pierre Delanoë Space. This free, festive day in Yvelines will feature calligraphy workshops, a traditional costume parade, a gourmet lunch, and Kung Fu demonstrations — all to mark the Year of the Horse.

The delightful 2026 King’s Cake of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in the Yvelines

The Boulangerie du Château in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Yvelines, is now serving its renowned King’s Cake for 2026, which was awarded Best Almond King’s Cake in Yvelines in 2021 and earned third place in Île-de-France in 2022.

The Masters of Fire: The National Museum of Archaeology’s Extended Historical Exhibit

The National Archaeological Museum takes us back to the Bronze Age to explore the "Masters of Fire" in an engaging educational exhibition running from June 13, 2025, to June 15, 2026.

Saint-Valentin Forever Run 2026: Running and Hiking Events from 6 to 25 km in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78)

On the occasion of Valentine's Day, the Saint-Germain-en-Laye estate is hosting the Valentine’s Day Forever Run this Saturday, February 14, 2026 — a lively and inclusive race suitable for everyone. Whether running solo, as a couple, or with family, participants will cover distances ranging from 6 to 25 kilometers through the historic castle grounds and surrounding forest.

This chocolate shop in Yvelines offers unique hot chocolates with gourmet treats.

Chocolatier Chapon treats us to his expertise in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, in the Yvelines, with a tea room (or rather a chocolate salon) that delights lovers of fine cocoa. Discover exclusive hot chocolates served in the traditional way in chocolate pots, and a gourmet menu that showcases the house creations.

2025 Christmas lights in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78): a Winter Party with parade and DJ set

When the Île-de-France region switches on its lights, the holiday season instantly takes on a whole new dimension. The streets are transformed into bright spots that make you want to go out, stroll around, and celebrate. And once again this year, Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78) is attracting everyone's attention with its highly anticipated Winter Party on November 29, 2025!

A unique theatrical tour of the Royal Pavilion of La Muette

Les Amis de Versailles invites you to a unique day on December 7, 2025, to celebrate Christmas at the Pavillon Royal de la Muette, open especially for the occasion! A theatrical tour in costume and entertainment will take you on a journey from the time of Louis XV to the First Empire.

The 2025 Christmas Village in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78): Christmas market, entertainment, and ice rink

The Christmas Village in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78) is back for a month of magic, from December 6, 2025, to January 4, 2025! Head to Place Abbé-Pierre-de-Porcaro, transformed into an enchanted setting, for a total immersion in the holiday spirit with a Christmas market, ice rink, creative workshops, and magical parades.

Clothing in the Bronze Age: an exhibition combining fashion and history at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale

The Musée d'Archéologie Nationale welcomes ESMOD students to present an unusual exhibition: Se vêtir à l'âge du Bronze, from October 3 to 13, 2025.

The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, high up in the Yvelines, was one of the royal residences of François I. Today, it houses the national archaeology museum. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, with over 29,000 objects on display!

Fête de la Science 2025: excavation workshops at the Musée d'archéologie nationale (78)

The Fête de la Science is back at many venues in Paris and the Île-de-France region: at the Musée d'archéologie nationale in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78), family activities await you from October 1 to 13, 2025.

Heritage Days 2025 at the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye - Musée d'Archéologie Nationale (78), program

The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is taking part in the Journées du Patrimoine 2025. The program for Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21 includes guided tours of the Château and the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, and more!

Journées de l'Architecture 2025: visit to the Maison natale Claude-Debussy (78)

Join us on Saturday, October 18, 2025 for a host of architecture-themed tours during the Journées nationales, in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, including the Maison natale Claude-Debussy in the Yvelines.

Heritage Days 2025 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78): the program for the royal town

The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) return to Paris and the Île-de-France region on the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025 for new cultural adventures! In the Yvelines, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is no exception to the rule, and has concocted a "royal" program for you to discover during this exceptional weekend. Mark your calendars!

Guinguette 1124, the ephemeral terrace in the heart of the château grounds at Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78)

Under the century-old trees of the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye estate (78), summer takes center stage at Guinguette 1124. An ephemeral terrace in the guinguette spirit, with a royal setting, a chill atmosphere and a breathtaking view over the immense park. What's on the menu? Handcrafted ice creams, golden crêpes, sparkling rosé and a cool game of pétanque.

Heritage Days 2025 at the Pavillon Royal de la Muette in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78)

September marks the return of the Journées du Patrimoine! The Yvelines will be celebrating with a number of unexpected visits, including the exceptional opening of the Pavillon Royal de la Muette in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, on Saturday September 20, 2025, by reservation only.

Journées du Patrimoine 2025 at the Hôtel de Noailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78): the program

Ready to unearth a hidden treasure? On September 20 and 21, 2025, the European Heritage Days are inviting you to open the doors of a little-known gem: the Hôtel de Noailles in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines-78). An opportunity to explore history, art and architecture off the beaten track!

Journées du Patrimoine 2025 at Hôtel de Ville de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78), the program

Want to play explorer without leaving your home region? Head for the European Heritage Days on September 20 and 21, 2025, for a free tour of France's hidden treasures. Among this year's highlights is the Hôtel de Ville de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a historic gem nestled in the heart of the majestic royal city of Yvelines (78).