The Grande Terrasse of Saint-Germain-en-Laye


Domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Designed by André Le Nôtre during the reign of Louis XIV, the Grande Terrasse of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is one of the most beautiful promenades in the Île-de-France region. Stretching for 2.4 kilometres along the edge of the national forest, it overlooks the Seine Valley from a height of more than 70 metres.

On a clear day, the terrace offers exceptional panoramic views of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, La Défense and the winding Seine. This historic royal promenade is free to access throughout the year and is located only a few minutes on foot from the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the RER A station.

What can you see from the Grande Terrasse of Saint-Germain-en-Laye?


The Grande Terrasse offers one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Île-de-France region. From the panoramic lookout, visitors can see across the Seine Valley and the river bends between Poissy and Maisons-Laffitte. The towers of La Défense are visible on the horizon, while the Eiffel Tower and the rooftops of Paris can also be seen in clear weather.

Below the terrace, the Domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye contains the remains of former royal residences, the gardens overlooking Le Pecq and paths leading towards the banks of the Seine through the national forest. Benches, shaded avenues and a succession of panoramic viewpoints make the Grande Terrasse an ideal place for a peaceful walk near Paris.


Practical information for visiting the Grande Terrasse from your aparthotel

  • Adress : Grande Terrasse, Domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
  • Opening times: The Grande Terrasse is accessible 24 hours a day throughout the year.
  • Admission: Access to the Grande Terrasse of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is completely free.

Access from Appart’City Collection Paris Saint-Germain-en-Laye

  • Appart’City Collection Paris Saint-Germain-en-Laye is located approximately ten minutes on foot from the Grande Terrasse.
  • From the aparthotel, walk towards the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye and continue through the national gardens to reach the terrace.
  • Travelling from Paris: Take RER line A from Châtelet–Les Halles, La Défense or Nanterre to the terminus at Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The journey from central Paris takes approximately 35 minutes. The Grande Terrasse is then around ten minutes on foot from Saint-Germain-en-Laye RER station.
  • Travelling by car: Saint-Germain-en-Laye can be reached via the A13 motorway. Parking is available near the château on Place Charles-de-Gaulle and at the Parking des Loges on Route des Loges.

Stay near the Grande Terrasse of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Appart’City Collection Paris Saint-Germain-en-Laye

A four-star aparthotel for visiting the Grande Terrasse

Located in Saint-Germain-en-Laye in the Yvelines department, Appart’City Collection Paris Saint-Germain-en-Laye is approximately ten minutes on foot from the Grande Terrasse and only a few minutes from RER line A. Its central location makes it an ideal aparthotel for exploring the Seine Valley, the national forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the royal heritage of the Île-de-France region. The property offers fully equipped studios and apartments with premium bedding, a kitchenette with a coffee machine, a 4K UHD television with Chromecast, very high-speed Wi-Fi, reversible air conditioning and an individual safe.

Discover

What to see around the Grande Terrasse in Saint-Germain-en-Laye


  • Le château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye : Located approximately five minutes on foot from the Grande Terrasse, the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a former medieval and Renaissance royal residence. It now houses the Musée d’Archéologie nationale, whose collections cover prehistoric, Celtic and Gallo-Roman history.
  • Saint-Germain-en-Laye National Forest: The national forest covers approximately 3,500 hectares and can be accessed directly from the Grande Terrasse. Its marked paths are suitable for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
  • Domaine de Marly: The former royal estate of Louis XIV is approximately ten minutes away by car. Its pools, terraces and wooded avenues are accessible free of charge.
  • Saint-Germain-en-Laye market: The covered and open-air market is held on Place du Marché on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Visitors can discover local produce and specialities from Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the Yvelines department.
  • Le château de Versailles : The Palace of Versailles is approximately 25 minutes away by car via the D307 and N186. Visitors can explore the Palace, the Hall of Mirrors, the Gardens of Versailles and the Trianon Estate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Grande Terrasse of Saint-Germain-en-Laye?

The Grande Terrasse is a 2.4-kilometre royal promenade designed by André Le Nôtre during the reign of Louis XIV. Standing more than 70 metres above the Seine Valley, it offers panoramic views of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, La Défense and the bends of the Seine in clear weather.

Is the Grande Terrasse free to visit?

Yes. Access to the Grande Terrasse of Saint-Germain-en-Laye is completely free. The promenade is accessible 24 hours a day throughout the year.

How do you get to the Grande Terrasse from Paris?

Take RER line A from Châtelet–Les Halles, La Défense or another central Paris station to the terminus at Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The train journey takes approximately 35 minutes, followed by a ten-minute walk from the RER station to the Grande Terrasse.

Can you see the Eiffel Tower from the Grande Terrasse?

Yes. On a clear day, the Eiffel Tower is visible from the Grande Terrasse, together with the towers of La Défense and the bends of the Seine between Poissy and Maisons-Laffitte.

Which aparthotel should you choose when visiting the Grande Terrasse of Saint-Germain-en-Laye?

Appart’City Collection Paris Saint-Germain-en-Laye is located approximately ten minutes on foot from the Grande Terrasse. The four-star aparthotel offers fully equipped studios and apartments, a reception desk open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and convenient access to Saint-Germain-en-Laye RER A station.

Can you combine the Grande Terrasse with a visit to Versailles?

Yes. From Appart’City Collection Paris Saint-Germain-en-Laye, visitors can combine a walk along the Grande Terrasse with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, approximately 25 minutes away by car. The national forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye can also be explored directly from the terrace.

Is there parking near the Grande Terrasse of Saint-Germain-en-Laye?

Yes. The closest options include the château car park on Place Charles-de-Gaulle and the Parking des Loges on Route des Loges. Guests staying at Appart’City Collection Paris Saint-Germain-en-Laye can reach the Grande Terrasse in approximately ten minutes on foot without using a car.