Monument historique par excellence, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye has a fascinating story to tell, which we invite you to uncover during the Journées du Patrimoine, whose 43rd edition will be held on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 2026.
Built in the 12th century by King Louis VI le Gros, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye was originally a hilltop fortress. Later, King François I transformed Saint-Germain into a Renaissance-style fortress, making it the principal residence of the kings of France. It was at Saint-Germain that kings Henri II, Henri IV and Louis XIV were born. Although the layout designed by François I remained, Louis XIV asked André Le Nôtre to redesign the gardens.
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! [Read more]
This is what the King's gardener did in 1663, with large flowerbeds in front of the château, views towards infinity, and above all a panoramic view of the Seine valley: the 2.4-kilometre-long Grande Terrasse!
After Louis XIV deserted the"Château Neuf" for Versailles in 1682, Napoleon I turned it into a cavalry school, before Napoleon III decreed in 1862 that the Château de Saint-Germain would house a "Museum of Celtic and Gallo-Roman Antiquities": since then, it has changed its name to Musée d'Archéologie nationale and continues to acquire numerous objects - three million of which 29,000 are on display - from the Paleolithic to the early Middle Ages.
Discover this remarkable monument and its collections during the Heritage Days, with a range of activities suitable for the whole family.
Workshop: The Z-Animals of Prehistory
Children explore prehistoric animals and the art of depicting them from over 15,000 years ago. Using wooden stencils, oil-based markers, or natural elements like charcoal or ochre, they can then craft their own panel in the style of the first artists and turn it into a collective work.
Participation conditions: Booking required. Children aged 3 to 5 may enter free when accompanied by a parent who does not reserve. | Booking required - https://affluences.com/fr/sites/musee-darcheologie-nationale/reservation?type=1460&resource=104827
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30–11:30
A museum housed in a castle
The castle, now the jewel of the National Archaeology Museum and once a royal residence, unfolds its story—from its occupation by France’s most famous kings to its transformation into the National Antiquities Museum under Napoleon III.
This visit will also let you glimpse the life of our ancestors through the museum’s exceptional collections, spanning from the Neolithic era to the end of Gaulish independence. Let yourself be surprised by the technical, human, and artistic riches of these men and women of the past.
Duration: 1h30 - Suitable for ages 13 and up
Participation requirements: By reservation, subject to availability - Free | Reservation required - https://affluences.com/musee-darcheologie-nationale/reservation?type=1458&resource=96970
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–12:30, 2:00–3:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00–3:30 PM
A Tour in French Sign Language — The Edouard Piette Collection
Led by a deaf tour guide who signs in French Sign Language, this visit reveals a treasure trove of masterpieces, including the renowned 'Dame à la Capuche' discovered in Brassempouy, in the Landes.
With scenography unchanged since the 19th century, it becomes a genuine time machine for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Participation terms: Reservation subject to space availability (max. 18 participants) - Booking required | Free - reservation.man@culture.gouv.fr
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 11:00 to 12:30
Guided tour of the Edouard Piette collection with online interpretive content
Piette Hall is unlike any other museum room in the world.
This exhibition space is notable first and foremost for what it holds: a fabulous collection of prehistoric tools, weapons, and art objects unearthed in the 19th century by Édouard Piette during digs in the Pyrenees.
Many masterpieces are on display, including the famous "Dame à la Capuche" discovered in Brassempouy, in the Landes, presented in a display design that has been evolving since the early 19th century.
Step into a genuine time machine for a visit like no other!
Mediated on-site by a speaker from GrandPalaisRMN
Free access only during the times indicated.
Note, for safety reasons, the capacity is limited to 18 people in this room, so there may be waiting.
Participation requirements: From 11 years old - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Workshop: Mosaics in Roman Gaul
What is an ancient mosaic, and what purpose did it serve? The workshop traces the history of mosaic techniques, from the Greeks’ use of pebbles to the Romans’ use of tesserae, which elevated the art to its zenith. Each child is introduced to the craft by copying a detail from a Gallo-Roman mosaic or by creating their own decorative motif.
Participation conditions: Children aged 8 to 12 — Free | Booking required - https://affluences.com/fr/sites/musee-darcheologie-nationale/reservation?type=1460&resource=89532
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Guided Tour: A Stroll Through the Gardens
This exploratory visit invites guests to discover the history of the royal château’s gardens, from the Renaissance to today.
Armed with an activity booklet—featuring vintage engravings and site plans—participants gain insight into the garden’s transformations and the distinctive character of a heritage site.
Participation conditions: Family-friendly, for ages 7 and up. - Free | Booking required - https://affluences.com/fr/sites/musee-darcheologie-nationale/reservation?type=1456&resource=86803
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 3:45 PM to 5:15 PM
Workshop: Golden Moon
After a tour of the Bronze Age collections, guided by the tale of Nora and the Golden Moon, children are invited to refresh their memory of the objects they saw by playing a memory game.
Finally, in the workshop, they decorate their own golden cardboard moon to take home and wear proudly around their necks!
Conditions of participation : Children aged 3 to 5 (accompanying adult required, no booking needed) - Free | Reservation required - https://affluences.com/fr/sites/musee-darcheologie-nationale/reservation?type=1460&resource=119464
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Workshop: Painting as a Tribe!
Discover the gestures and techniques of our ancestors by creating a painting inspired by prehistoric models showcased in photographs.
A workshop designed to share a moment of family creativity: kids, parents, and grandparents are all welcome!
Participation requirements: Family-friendly, for ages 7 and up - Free | Reservation required - https://affluences.com/musee-darcheologie-nationale/reservation?type=1460&resource=28559
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Guided tour of The Iliad and The Odyssey
The Trojan War has been raging for nearly a decade. The Achaeans, drawn from across Greece, press up against the fortified city of Troy and its allies. In front of the citadel, hundreds of siege ships dot the shore, doubling as their encampments. This visit offers a window into the epics of the Iliad and the Odyssey through the museum’s collections.
Participation conditions: Family-friendly, from age 7 and up - Free | Booking required - https://affluences.com/fr/sites/musee-darcheologie-nationale/reservation?type=1456&resource=28537&date=2026-04-22
Schedule: Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 15:45–16:45
You won't be disappointed! But don't forget to reserve your place in advance to take part in the activities. If the weather's fine, we'd even recommend a picnic in the gardens- a moment of timeless relaxation guaranteed!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
National Archaeology Museum
Domaine National de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
78100 Saint Germain en Laye
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
musee-archeologienationale.fr
The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
