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
• This week's top deals in Paris and Île-de-France, from December 22 to 28, 2025
• Free museums and landmarks: Must-visit sites this Sunday, January 4th, in Paris and Île-de-France
• Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips

Reservations are recommended, and tickets are available on site.

Museum news :

Castles, museums, and historic landmarks in Yvelines offering free entry on Sunday, January 4, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month
On the first Sunday of the month, many of the Yvelines' landmarks—historic castles, museums, and cultural sites—open their doors to visitors free of charge. However, this isn’t the case for all venues throughout the year. To help you plan your day, here’s a list of cultural sites in the 78 department to explore on Sunday, January 4, 2026. [Read more]

Masters of fire: the historical and educational exhibition at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale
The Musée d'Archéologie Nationale takes us back to the Bronze Age, to discover the "Masters of Fire", with an educational exhibition on view from June 13, 2025 to March 6, 2026. [Read more]