Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Saint-Cloud, France

Affluent, verdant, and residential, Saint-Cloud is a western suburb of Paris that diverges significantly from urban life.

This area is characterized by its ample parkland and golf courses, while the central portion of Saint-Cloud exudes a leisurely atmosphere, earning it the nickname “Le Village.” Take the opportunity to explore and glimpse the mansions nestled behind gates along the picturesque, hilly streets, and wander up to the viewpoints overlooking the Seine.

Venturing further, the heart of Paris and Versailles offer an abundance of culture and sights surpassing what one may hope to experience in a single visit.

Furthermore, the locale is ideal for sports enthusiasts, as the Paris Saint-Germain Football Club hosts matches just across the river, while the prestigious Roland-Garros adds two weeks of the highest caliber clay court tennis to the events calendar each year.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Saint-Cloud:

1. Parc de Saint-Cloud

The Château de Saint-Cloud served as a royal and imperial residence for figures such as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon, although it was unfortunately destroyed during the Franco-Prussian War.

The gardens remain a splendid attraction, honored with the “jardin remarquable” designation by the Ministry of Culture.

Conical yew trees demarcate the site where the palace once stood, while the gardens continue to flourish, designed according to the vision of André Le Nôtre and Marie Antoinette.

The rose garden is a must-see, as is La Lanterne, an elevated viewpoint allowing spectators to gaze across the Seine and identify notable landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Tour Montparnasse.

2. Exploring Paris

Utilizing suburban Transilien trains, Metro Line 10, or the T2 Tramway, visitors can arrive in this remarkable city of world-class museums, historic landmarks, shopping districts, and fine dining in a brief time.

The challenge lies in selecting what to explore.

On this western side of Paris, attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe, which connects with the Bois de Boulogne via Avenue Foch, are within easy reach.

Even closer is the striking modern architecture of La Défense, a futuristic business district developed in the 1980s and 90s, prominently featuring the monumental Grande Arche.

3. Visiting Versailles

A short journey from Saint-Cloud brings you to this renowned royal city in under 15 minutes.

Reflecting the grandeur of the monarchs who adorned the palace, the Palace of Versailles is a site that demands ample time for exploration.

To fully appreciate the astonishing craftsmanship and expansive grounds, a single day is insufficient. Even a swift visit would occupy several hours, given the considerable extent of the palace and its stunning outbuildings, including Louis XIV’s Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s idyllic Hamlet.

The city surrounding the palace, initially developed for government officials and the court, boasts splendid boulevards and residences, along with the notable Notre-Dame Church, the site of royal births and marriages.

4. Musée National de la Céramique

Opposite Parc de Saint-Cloud is the commune of Sèvres, synonymous with fine porcelain.

This “manufacture” has been creating exquisite ceramics since the reign of Louis XV in 1756, serving royal, imperial, and national needs. Art enthusiasts will discover a collection of 10,000 pieces across 18 distinct rooms, tracing the history of Sèvres’ prestigious hard-paste porcelain.

Visitors will admire the finest pieces produced by Sèvres, along with items from various epochs and regions, such as Germany and China.

5. Bois de Boulogne

Covering 850 hectares, the Bois de Boulogne ranks as the second-largest green space in Paris, historically serving as a royal hunting ground.

In the mid-19th century, the park underwent landscaping, incorporating avenues and prominent features such as the Grand Cascade, a charming waterfall, and Ruisseau de Longchamp, an artificial stream.

Throughout the years, renowned artists like Degas, Renoir, and Van Gogh have captured scenes within this park.

The Bois de Boulogne flourishes during summer, offering activities such as rowing on Lac Inférieur, cycling along 15 kilometers of trails, or experiencing horseback riding.

The Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil in the south acts as a horticultural garden that supports the cultivation of flora for municipal buildings.

6. Musée Albert-Kahn

In the 1910s, philanthropist and banker Albert Kahn initiated an ambitious project to create a comprehensive archive of the world, capturing tens of thousands of color photographs and approximately 183,000 meters of film footage.

The magnitude of this remarkable pursuit is displayed in the museum’s galleries, which coalesce into a narrative of Kahn’s vision.

Since 1895, Kahn designed a patchwork of exquisite gardens, comprising various styles such as a French parterre, an English garden, a Vosges forest, a “Blue Forest” with Atlas cedars, tall grass meadows, and both traditional and modern Japanese gardens, all crafted by leading horticulturists of the era.

7. Musée Marmottan Monet

Art enthusiasts dedicated to Monet should consider visiting this museum located on the edge of Bois de Boulogne.

Housed in a refined former hunting lodge, it features over 300 works by Monet, representing the largest single collection of his artwork globally.

Among these is the groundbreaking “Impression, Soleil Levant,” which catalyzed the Impressionist movement. Familiar pieces include his studies of Rouen Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.

Moreover, the museum includes works from a range of prominent Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, including Degas, Sisley, Renoir, Pissarro, Boudin, Signac, and Gauguin.

8. Fondation Louis Vuitton

Featuring 12 glass canopies that evoke the appearance of futuristic armor, Frank Gehry’s design for this contemporary art museum resembles a spaceship that has descended upon the Bois de Boulogne near Jardin d’Acclimatation.

The museum was inaugurated in 2014, primarily focusing on temporary exhibitions in contemporary art, design, and architecture, having hosted shows for artists such as Daniel Buren and Olafur Eliasson.

Additionally, a permanent exhibition delves into Gehry’s design process for this new Parisian landmark, showcasing early sketches and a large-scale model for visitors to explore, along with high-definition videos captured via drones.

9. Jardin d’Acclimatation

This historic amusement park, situated within Bois de Boulogne, captivates the younger members of families.

Opened in partnership by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie in 1860, it began its journey as a zoo and has since evolved to provide a plethora of experiences for children.

Visitors can still encounter animal enclosures featuring alpacas and goats, alongside opportunities for donkey rides.

Furthermore, the park includes fairground attractions such as carousels, small roller coasters, and classic carnival games.

Children can enjoy a miniature train, splash in fountains, and watch puppet shows, while adults may appreciate the intricate architecture dating back to the turn of the century.

10. Château de Malmaison

This château, which served as the residence of Empress Joséphine from 1799 until her death in 1814, provides a close look into her and Napoleon’s lives.

Interior furnishings, including fine Sèvres porcelain dining sets, a grand billiard table, the Emperor’s sabers, and numerous mahogany pieces, reflect the opulence of the period.

An exhibition devoted to Joséphine’s wardrobe, encompassing everything from elegant gala gowns to undergarments, is featured in 2017. Following Joséphine’s death, Napoleon returned during his Hundred Days, marking this site as his last residence in France.

11. Bois Préau

Visitors are greeted by a statue of Empress Joséphine upon entering this 17-hectare English park adjacent to Château de Malmaison.

In 1809, Joséphine purchased Bois Préau to expand her estate, preserving elements from over two centuries past.

Her passion for botany is evident through the sequoias, Turkish hazels, and Corsican pines among the many mature trees populating the park.

The Château de Bois-Préau, constructed in the 1850s, features an exhibition recounting Napoleon’s exile to St. Helena and the return of his remains to Paris.

12. Hippodrome de Saint-Cloud

It is fitting for an upscale district like Saint-Cloud to feature a racetrack.

This course, recognized as a French “monument historique,” opened in 1901 and hosts events across the spring to autumn seasons.

The marquee events are the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in June and the Critérium de Saint-Cloud, held at the end of October or beginning of November, both of which are significant Group 1 races.

For those present during these dates, it presents an opportunity to add a touch of classic entertainment to their visit to this elegant neighborhood.

13. Mont-Valérien

Just up the road lies a 162-meter hill offering views of the Seine and Bois de Boulogne.

At its peak stands a fortress built in 1841, designed to fortify Paris’ defenses, which was involved in the Prussian Siege of Paris during 1870-71. The fort’s surrender led to France’s signing of the armistice.

During World War II, more than 1,000 Resistance fighters were executed by firing squad at this site, leading it to become France’s largest memorial to the French Resistance after 1945.

Visitors can inquire at the memorial’s visitor center to arrange a complimentary guided tour of the premises.

14. Roland-Garros

During two weeks in late May and early June, the French Open takes place at the Tennis Club de Paris in Auteuil.

For tennis aficionados and those partial to clay tournaments, attending matches at Roland-Garros is a dream come true.

Spectators can witness the world’s leading male and female players, particularly during the tournament’s second week.

However, it is equally thrilling to observe matches on the outer courts during the tournament’s opening week, where crowds are smaller, placing spectators mere meters from the players.

Moreover, those with “Prime” tickets can enjoy a delightful day, inclusive of lunch at one of the prestigious club restaurants.

15. Paris Saint-Germain F.C.

Quality sports abound in the area, and from August to May, one can conveniently access the home field of one of Europe’s premier football clubs.

Since its establishment in the 1970s, Paris Saint-Germain has become a household name among football fans, rising through the divisions.

However, with significant Qatari investment in 2011, the club reached unprecedented success, showcasing some of the world’s finest players at Parc des Princes.

Adjacent to this stadium is Stade Jean-Bouin, home to rugby side Stade Français, recognized as one of the top teams in the Top 14.