I Love My Neighborhood: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Paris

In this series, I ask expats to share the joys of local life they’ve found in their corner of the world. If you’re just joining in now, check out other cities that have been covered so far here.

Today’s guest post comes from Ashley, an American au pair living in Paris’ western suburbs. She’s one of my closest friends in the city (you can’t help but bond with someone when you frantically throw a full Thanksgiving dinner together) and I can confirm that her neighborhood is indeed very charmingly French and adorable — I mean, her town even has its own castle. 

Ashley: Why I Love Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Just west of Paris you will find Saint-Germain-en-Laye — a relaxed, tree-lined suburb with more than a thousand years of rich history and bakeries on every corner.

While I’ve only been living in Saint-Germain-en-Laye for four months, I can’t help but swoon over my new, macaron-filled town.

A Laid-back Vibe

While I love hanging out in Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a welcome retreat from the city’s hustle-and-bustle. The feel is definitely that of a small town; whether it’s the Tunisian baristas walking out of their shop to wave to me or the elderly bookshop owner who asks, “How’s the family?” it seems like everyone here knows each other. And best of all, the town is tourist-free. (Well, except for me of course!)

Delicious French and International Food

Walking around Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the food will appeal to nearly all of your senses: one is easily enticed by the golden rotisserie chickens turning on spits outside of the butcher shop, the still-warm baguettes underneath locals’ arms and the colorful macarons assembled like jewels in the patissier’s display window.

Along with lots of classic French brasseries and restaurants, Saint-Germain-en-Laye also affords residents a surprising amount of international food options like Indian, Japanese and even Mexican! (Any Paris expat will know that Mexican food is very hard to come by in the city of lights.)

12th Century Castle

When you emerge from the Saint-Germain-en-Laye RER station, you will first spot Saint-Germain-en-Laye’s most recognizable landmark: the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a 10th century château that was the birthplace of many of France’s kings. While most châteaus in France see their fair share of tourists, I often retreat to the Saint-Germain-en-Laye château cathedral for a few moments of silence and solitude.

Farmers Market

When you are living in France, a country where locals often chose their neighborhoods based on the reputation of the farmers market, it’s very important to have a reputable one. And in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, everyone can agree that the local farmers market is top-notch. Whether you are in pursuit of glistening purple sea urchins fresh from the shores of Brittany or blocks of salted butter made with raw milk, the Saint-Germain-en-Laye market boasts all kinds of seasonal French delights.

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About the author: Ashley is a freelance writer working as an au pair in France. She is quite partial to baguettes, street art and late dinners. You can follow her travels on twitter, facebook, and her travel blog, Ashley Abroad.

All photos courtesy of the author.

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10 Comments

  • Reply
    Camels & Chocolate
    March 4, 2013 at 19:16

    What a pretty spot! I just booked one of my clients in Saint-Germain, so I’m glad it was a good call ;-)

  • Reply
    kristen @thekaleproject
    March 4, 2013 at 19:23

    Ashley is a sweetheart! And I’m not sure what market she goes to, but there is kale in her neighborhood now too!

  • Reply
    Nomski
    March 4, 2013 at 23:48

    Wow that’s a beautiful neighborhood!
    Question for Ashley: How do you like working as an au pair? I’m considering doing it for the summer, but just wondering about how you like it.

    • Reply
      Ashley of Ashley Abroad
      March 9, 2013 at 11:42

      I definitely like it, the work isn’t too hard and I’m learning a lot of French because I live with a French family. Bon courage!

  • Reply
    Erica of Kizzling Around
    March 7, 2013 at 06:09

    What a stunning neighborhood!! I am definitely a fan of living in the suburb of big cities myself :)

  • Reply
    Callie
    March 13, 2013 at 08:58

    What a lovely place to live. A 12th-century caste and everything!
    And, I can smell the chicken and fresh baguettes now. YUM.

  • Reply
    Melanie
    March 18, 2013 at 07:21

    This place has only recently been put on the map for me, think I’ll pop out there soon to explore a little. Plus pick up some Kale (great work Kristen!).

  • Reply
    José
    April 7, 2013 at 17:03

    Nice one, Ashley. I am considering moving with my family to the area. Thought about Saint-Germain-en-Laye, L´Étang-la-Ville and Marly-le-Roi but I am really leaning towards the first one.
    Which ones would you say are the best neighborhoods for families with toddlers? What about schools? Do you know of good ones?
    Thanks for your help and good luck there.

    • Reply
      Ashley of Ashley Abroad
      April 8, 2013 at 21:38

      Hey! Thanks for commenting. I would say all three are great choices but I personally love Saint-Germain-en-Laye because it has a lot of history, along with a small town feel but enough things to do to make it fun to live in. As far as great schools go I would suggest Notre Dame and the Lycee International. Good luck on choosing!

  • Reply
    RL Walker
    April 14, 2013 at 16:41

    Next Sunday morning when I wake up, my daughter will be arriving in Saint Germain-en-Laye. Thank you for this blog, I have a better sense of where she will be living as an au pair! xoxo from Tucson, Arizona. ps, send me some of those macaroons!

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