The National Archaeology Museum, Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Place Charles de Gaulle, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Housed in the former royal castle restored under Napoleon III, the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale holds one of the richest collections of prehistoric art in the world. Its galleries trace human life on French soil from earliest times to the year 1000, spanning the Palaeolithic era through to the Merovingian period. The castle also houses the Saint-Louis chapel, a 13th-century Gothic gem, and adjoins gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, the same landscape architect behind the Gardens of Versailles.
From Appart'City Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the museum is just a few minutes' walk away, right in the heart of town.
What to see at the National Archaeology Museum
- The prehistoric collections: one of the largest collections of prehistoric art in the world, including iconic pieces such as the Lady of Brassempouy, carved from mammoth ivory.
- The Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age collections:currently open to visitors, tracing the evolution of human societies on French territory.
- The Saint-Louis chapel: built in the 13th century and attached to the castle, a remarkable example of Gothic architecture.
- The National Estate: 45 hectares of gardens and a terrace nearly 2 kilometres long designed by Le Nôtre, offering an exceptional view over the Seine valley and the Île-de-France region.
- The castle itself: a former royal residence and birthplace of several French sovereigns, closely tied to the history of the French monarchy.
Please note: as part of a major renovation and accessibility project, some galleries (Palaeolithic, Roman Gaul, Early Middle Ages) are temporarily closed, with a phased reopening planned over the coming decade.
Your aparthotel for visiting the National Archaeology Museum
The perfect destination that brings together everything you love for your next stay
Appart'City Saint Germain en Laye
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Appart'City Saint-Germain-en-Laye is the ideal aparthotel for visiting the National Archaeology Museum and the castle. Just a few minutes' walk away, it makes it easy to explore the museum, Le Nôtre's gardens, the town centre and the 3,500-hectare state forest, while enjoying quick access to Paris. Fully equipped studios and apartments, kitchenette, high-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 reception, parking, laundry, luggage storage, pets welcome.
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Frequently asked questions about the National Archaeology Museum
What are the museum's opening hours?
The museum is open every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 5pm. It is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
How much does it cost to visit the National Archaeology Museum?
Access to the permanent collections is free. The temporary exhibition costs €8 per person (€6 for groups). Admission is free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month.
How long does it take to visit the museum?
Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for the currently accessible collections, longer if you add a stroll through the National Estate gardens.
How do you get to the museum from Appart'City Saint-Germain-en-Laye?
The museum is just a few minutes' walk from the aparthotel, right in the centre of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Are all the museum's galleries open?
No, some galleries (Palaeolithic, Roman Gaul, Early Middle Ages, non-national collections) are temporarily closed for renovation work. The Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age collections remain open to visitors.
Which aparthotel is best for visiting the National Archaeology Museum?
Appart'City Saint-Germain-en-Laye is the ideal aparthotel, just a few minutes' walk from the museum and the castle. Fully equipped studios and apartments, 24/7 reception, on-site parking.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the exhibition rooms are accessible via ramps and lifts, with wheelchairs available on loan. The Saint-Louis chapel has been accessible since 2016.