Saint-Germain-en-Laye

▪ France

      town, a western suburb of Paris, Yvelines département, Île-de-France région, north-central France. It is on the left bank of the Seine River, adjoining the Forest of Saint-Germain and just north of the Forest of Marly. The château of Saint-Germain and its park are next to a famous 17th-century terrace overlooking the Seine, built for Louis XIV in 1673. The 16th-century Château Vieux, built on the site of the original old castle, has been restored and houses the Museum of National Antiquities. The Château Neuf, built above the Seine in the 16th century, was the birthplace of Louis XIV. Most of it was destroyed in the late 18th century. The town is a terminus of the regional express rail service that connects the area to Paris. It is mostly residential in character, but some administrative services are carried out there. Pop. (1999) 38,423; (2005 est.) 41,000.

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