Located in the heart of the historic centre, overlooking Paris from its panoramic terrace designed by André Le Nôtre, the château which now houses the National Archaeology Museum is the pride and joy of the inhabitants of Saint-Germain and acts as a magnet destination on the edge of the thousand-year-old public forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The forest is an omnipresent aspect of the town, given that it covers three-quarters of the territory! A testament to the art of gardening over three centuries, the Domaine National de Saint-Germain, meanwhile, extends over 41 hectares of unspoilt grounds on the edge of the former royal forest. The perfect spot for a stroll around the formal gardens designed by Le Nôtre for Louis XIV or a meander through the English landscape garden created in the 19th century and planted with a collection of rare trees. Unlike other towns in the Paris region that have seen their character extinguished over generations, Saint-Germain-en-Laye has retained its historic urban fabric inherited from the Middle Ages, with its curved streets and cul-de-sacs dating back well before the 17th century. The ultimate royal town, it has seen 29 kings and queens of France come and go. And it also has an Imperial past as the hunting ground of Napoleon I before Napoleon III initiated the restoration of the château, among other undertakings.
A solid square metre market value
Saint-Germain-en-Laye was extended in 2019 to encompass the neighbouring town of Fourqueux, making it the largest municipality in the Yvelines département today at 5,194 hectares (12,835 acres). The 46,500 inhabitants of Saint-Germain and Fourqueux, now gathered under one roof, so to speak, live in an environment that balances city and nature, offering all the extraordinary vitality of a historic centre home to several hundred shops and boutiques, restaurants and local bistros to fit all tastes and budgets, pedestrian streets and squares lined by café terraces, all just 25 minutes from Paris by RER. Its inhabitants flock to the town’s three markets, including the superb street market held every Sunday, Tuesday and Friday on Place du Marché-Neuf which never disappoints when it comes to ambiance (don't forget to try the local specialities, especially the gâteau Saint-Germain, an almond cake renowned well beyond the borders of its hometown, and the Debussy, created in 1925 and still lovingly prepared by the Grandin patisserie at 13, Rue au Pain).
Another high point of life in Saint-Germain are the many craft artists who work out of the Îlot Saint-Christophe district, including a number of renowned specialists in the restoration of furniture, paintings and musical instruments. It’s no coincidence that Saint-Germain-en-Laye has been named the 2nd most liveable town in Yvelines! When it comes to cherished traditions for the town’s inhabitants, no list would be complete without the Fête des Loges festival which has been held every year since 1652 on the 8 hectares of the eponymous esplanade. This constantly evolving town never rests on its laurels, and has made a point of attracting ever-more innovative companies while at the same time reconciling sustainable development, quality of life and the challenges of a digital world. One example of the latter are the QR codes positioned outside each private mansion of historic value, providing access to digital content to be discovered. In terms of real estate, the market value per square metre is solid in this town where quality of life is par excellence, from the prestigious historic context to the 15 reputed upper-secondary schools (7 public and 8 private, including the highly coveted Lycée International ). So which are the best districts to buy or rent in? It really comes down to personal taste, but the centre naturally has its enthusiasts for its vitality and the prestige of its private mansions, while the Alsace Pereire and Debussy Schnapper neighbourhoods embody elegance with their residential clusters. As far as prices are concerned, apartments go for around €8,000 to €9,000 per square metre on average, and houses for around €6,000 to €10,000, making Saint-Germain-en-Laye one of the most expensive towns in the west of Paris. Noblesse oblige!
Saint-Germain-en-Laye offers an exceptional lifestyle for families and executives seeking a luxury property near Paris. Discover the quiet charm of Rueil-Malmaison, the prestige of Neuilly-sur-Seine real estate, or explore apartments and villas in Boulogne-Billancourt. Other great options include Levallois-Perret, Versailles luxury homes, and investment properties in Saint-Cloud.
