On a clear and sunny day I was fortunate to climb to the roof of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye castle. Open to the public on rare occasions only, the terrace roof provides another perspective on the castle itself and its gardens. It offers a stunning view over the town and the western suburbs of Paris. Here are a few photos if you can’t make it to the roof!
The roof of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye castle
The flat roof of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye castle is an amazing place if you take time to observe every little details.
It is decorated with balustrades, sculpted vases and ornate chimneys.
And of course, it offers a spectacular view down to the inner courtyard, the gardens, the forest, the town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the valley of the Seine River as far as La Défense.
Views of the castle and its inner courtyard
The campanile that stands on the castle’s keep
Other decorative features
The elegant sculpted vases:
“F” for François I, King of France:
I particularly like this view of the roof’s inner edge featuring vases and gargoyles:
View of the old town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The church of Saint-Germain-en-Laye:
And looking closer, the church’s neo-classical pediment:
View of the castle’s gardens
The great perspective from the Grand Parterre continued by the Avenue des Loges in the forest of Saint-Germain:
Useful Links about Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- Saint-Germain-en-Laye Tourist Office
- National Museum of Archeology
- Tourisme en Yvelines
- Where to stay in Saint-Germain-en-L.
Please note that the visit of roof is usually not accessible to the public who visit the museum! This visit was organised by the Tourist Office of Saint-Germain-en-Laye at the occasion of an Instameet organised in the town!
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