In 1238, a medieval fortress already stood on this site, inside which King Louis IX built a powerful church that still exists today. In the 14th century, the Old Fortress burned down, and Charles V rebuilt a castle here (Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye).
In the 16th century, the castle of Charles V was rebuilt in the Renaissance style (while preserving the ancient donjon (donjon – tower)) by the famous king – Francis I. He celebrated his second wedding here and spent the last years of his life.
Here, Maria Stuart arrives as a six-year-old girl. The daughter-in-law of Henry II and Catherine de’ Medici, she will spend a whole ten years of her short life here, become a widow at 18, and return to Scotland…
Here, Catherine de’ Medici gives birth to heirs to the throne, including Francis II, Charles IX, Henry III, Queen Margot… All the last Valois lived here, and then the first of the Bourbons – Henry IV. The founder of the new dynasty lived here simultaneously with his wife Maria de’ Medici and thirteen children from five lovers.
His son Louis XIII also spent a considerable amount of time here.
Louis XIV was born here, who adored the castle, often lived here, and spared no expense on the arrangement of the park and palace, where his famous mistress – Madame de Montespan – reigned…
It’s nice to take a walk in the park around the castle, admire its exterior, inner courtyard, donjon, church… The castle houses a museum of prehistoric history of France. From the park, with the balustrade arranged in the 17th century by Le Nôtre, there are views of the Seine and Paris…
The town itself is also interesting – with fashionable boutiques, ancient streets, and delicious restaurants…
