Grande terrasse de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The Grande Terrasse is an elevated walkway that stretches for several kilometers along a ridge, offering an open path with views on either side. The surface is flat and paved, with wide open sides that allow sight lines across the landscape below and into the distance.

This terrace came into being in the late 1600s under King Louis XIV, as part of a major reshaping of the castle and its surroundings. Creating it required extensive earthwork and planning to sculpt the landscape into its current form.

The terrace serves as a meeting place where people gather to enjoy the landscape and take in the view across the valley. It remains a spot where visitors slow down and simply stand to watch the light change over the distant horizon.

The site is flat and straightforward to walk, with stable paths suitable for most visitors. It is wise to prepare for the weather, as the exposed location offers little shelter from wind or sun.

On clear days, visitors can spot features of Paris's distant skyline from this vantage point when visibility is particularly good. These far-off glimpses show just how elevated and remote this spot is from the city.