Home to some 3 million historic artifacts spanning many millennia of history, the National Archaeological Museum offers an extraordinary view into the past. Beginning with Paleolithic objects like sculptures and domestic tools, its collection comprises everything from Bronze Age helmets and Iron Age jewelry to treasures from Roman and Merovingian Gaul. Its galleries stretch across three floors of the grand Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (a former royal residence and a listed Historic Monument since 1964), and showcase both its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
In addition to the museum collection, visitors should also soak up the scenery of the château itself, which is also known as the Domaine Nationale. Its 99 acres (40 hectares) of gardens, which were designed by André Le Nôtre (who was also responsible for the gardens at Versailles), are a particular highlight.
Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month, and the National Archaeological Museum is also included in the Paris Museum Pass.
The museum is accessible to disabled visitors, though some areas of the gardens are uneven or only accessed via stairs.
The National Archaeological Museum does not have a café or restaurant (so eating beforehand is recommended) but does have a gift shop.
The National Archaeological Museum is located in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a commune just west of Paris. If using public transportation, take the RER A from Central Paris to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which takes about 40 minutes. If driving, travel via the A13 or the A14, about 15 miles (24 kilometers).
The museum is open every day except Tuesdays, from morning until early evening. (Note that it is closed every year on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and May 1.) The Domaine Nationale (the grand estate that houses the museum), has slightly longer visiting hours, from early morning until evening, with hours dependent on the season.
Wowed by the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye during your visit to the museum? Continue your excursion to the region’s other nearby châteaux, each with its own focus. The Château de Malmaison is the former home of Napoleon and his wife Josephine; the Château de Monte-Cristo was Alexandre Dumas’ former country home; and the Château de la Celle is renowned for its magnificent parklands.