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

Want to plunge into the heart of history? Head for Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Its château, located in the heart of the town just off the RER A, awaits you for cultural visits.

Built in the 12th century by King Louis VI le Gros, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye was originally an elevated fortress, set up on a high site to protect it from attack. Saint-Germain became the favorite residence of King François I, who had the fortress transformed in Renaissance style. Today, this magnificent monument is home to the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, housing masterpieces of Celtic and Gallo-Roman antiquity, as well as artefacts from the Paleolithic to the early Middle Ages.

In the rooms of this museum, more than 29,000 objects in an itinerary ranging from Prehistory to Celtic Gaul have also been designed to avoid overcrowding, and are open to the public at a reduced rate, accompanied by renewed signage.

In terms of tours and events, visitors will be able to discover :

• The Edouard Piette Collection
  Step back in time and discover a museum room unlike any other in the world. Designed in the 19th century and preserved in its original museography, it contains Paleolithic treasures, including the famous "Lady in the Hood". Ages 13 and up. Duration: 1 hour.

• History of the Château and visits to the roofs
  The museum invites you to discover the history of the Château via the roof terraces, which offer a breathtaking view of the inner courtyard, the Château grounds and an exceptional panorama of the Seine valley. Ages 13 and up. Duration: 1 hour.
  
  
• A remarkable Château and garden
  This bucolic tour sheds a different light on the history and architecture of the Château and garden. Ages 13 and up. Length: 1 hour.
  
  
• Thematic tours
  Deepen your knowledge by exploring a part of the collections (Palaeolithic-Mesolithic, Neolithic-Bronze Age, Iron Age). Ages 13 and up. duration: 1h.

• To be read
• Top picks for the week of June 15–21, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
• Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals

Reservations are recommended, and tickets are available on site.

Museum news :

Brain Race: a charity run that brings generations together!
The Brain Race is back on September 13, 2026 at the Domaine national du Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, with 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km routes to run or walk in support of brain research, in a sporty, supportive and family-friendly atmosphere. [Read more]

Archaeology Days 2026: this castle-museum promises us a weekend with our heads in the stars.
The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye houses the National Archaeology Museum: so of course, when Archaeology Days arrive, this historic site is tailor-made for the occasion! Here’s what to expect for the weekend of June 12–14, 2026. [Read more]

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. [Read more]