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

And what if we told you that one of the most spectacular residences of the French monarchy is hiding just beneath your feet? Until March 8, 2026, the Musée Ducastel-Vera invites visitors on a fascinating journey of rediscovery through its current exhibition: that of Château-Neuf. This once-celebrated landmark, now disappeared, which was once the darling of travelers across Europe, is being brought back to life through the magic of digital technology.

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Imagine a residence overlooking the Seine, where Henry IV enjoyed leisurely strolls to reconnect with childhood memories in Pau. Originally built during the reign of Henry II on the terraces of Saint-Germain, the Château-Neuf was a marvel of technology and art. Its fame primarily stemmed from its cascade gardens flowing down to the river, hiding caves filled with hydraulic automata— true Renaissance robots crafted by the Francini brothers! It is right here, within this brick and stone sanctuary, that Louis XIV was born, before the château was abandoned and later dismantled during the Revolution.

How can we revisit what no longer exists? This is the challenge taken up by the City, the CNRS, and Sorbonne University. Through an immense effort in digitizing relics and archives, the exhibition offers a digital reconstruction with pinpoint accuracy. The experience isn’t just about displaying computer-generated images; it weaves together a human and architectural saga.

From the grandeur of courtly life to the demolitions of the 18th century, and the arrival of the railway that reshaped the landscape, you’ll trace the footsteps of this forgotten giant. An engaging experience that will appeal to history buffs as much as tech enthusiasts, offering the chance to admire the castle in all its restored splendor—as if you were right there.

Note: the museum is open only from Wednesday to Sunday, between 2 PM and 6 PM!