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.

For those who love lounging under the foliage, sipping rosé, indulging in gourmet treats and playing a game of boules. When the weather's fine, Guinguette 1124 sets its royally pastoral and cheerfully relaxed scene in the heart of the château grounds at Saint-Germain-en-Laye, in the Yvelines (78) department.

The name is a nod to history: 1124, the year Louis VI, known as Le Gros, ordered the construction of the château. Eight centuries later, we're drinking under the branches, a stone's throw from the monument, against the backdrop of the majestic park stretching to the Grande Terrasse designed by Le Nôtre. Even without a direct view of the château, the atmosphere is pleasant and delightfully bucolic.

Here, everyone can choose their own mood: seated at the front, at a wrought-iron table, contemplating the parade of walkers under the hundred-year-old trees; seated "indoors" on the large teak terrace or around the convivial garden furniture; or stretched out on a deckchair in the sun, feet in the grass, savoring the view over the park. With seating for 170, the space is vast and airy, inviting you to breathe in the fresh air.

Whether you're with the gang or the family, you'll enjoy a hot dog (€3.50) or a croque-monsieur (€8), accompanied by a tray of crispy, golden French fries (€6), all washed down with a cool drink (€2.50 to €4). Those with a sweet tooth will love the artisanal ice creams from La Glacerie 1124, the town's parent company, some of whose star flavors are available on site. And after a trip to the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, it's time to relax and enjoy Happy Hours, open all week from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. And when the sun goes down, you're welcome to linger under the stars, with a drink in hand, to enjoy the summer evenings.

The little ones can enjoy a fenced-in children's area with a plastic playhouse, while the grown-ups point and shoot at the boulodrome - boules are loaned free of charge at the counter. And for the more adventurous, the guinguette even offers bike hire (€10 adults, €7 children per hour, sliding scale) to explore the park and surrounding area.

Guinguette 1124 is open fromApril to October - at the start and end of the season, on Wednesdays and weekends, and every day in fine weather, from 10am to 8pm - and welcomes you to a royal, green and no-frills setting. Chill-out atmosphere guaranteed!

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.

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