Paris. An outing to Saint-Germain-en-Laye

 If you live in Paris, and want to see how the "other half" live, just hop on the RER and head for Saint-Germain-en-Laye, one of the last stations of Line A. It is perfect for a half-day excursion, taking less than half an hour to reach the town. We went by bus to the Arc de Triomphe and then picked up the train which took us to this lovely town. With its elegant tree-lined streets it is one of the wealthiest suburbs of Paris, combining both high-end leisure spots and exclusive residential neighborhoods and, I am advised by Virginia, the shops are very swanky (ladies:  If Australia follows Paris for next summer's fashions, you will be wearing white)!

Arc de Triomphe

The RER to Saint-Germain-en-Laye

As soon as you get off the train and take the escalator to the surface you find that on the right is the Church of Saint-Germain and on your left is the château.

Church of Saint-Germain

The Church Tower

On the side of the church is an interesting panel noting that there is a shrine to the memory of James II of England who died in exile in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.  The monument in his memory was erected by Queen Victoria.  Just over the way, in the chateau, was where he spent the final years of his life.

Memorial to King James II of England

The Chateau

Perhaps one of the best known figures born in the town was Claude Debussy and there is a lovely monument to him just behind the Church of Saint-Germain.  It is of a reclining Debussy supported by some of his musical creations.  Look closely and you can see them.

Debussy

We wandered through the town, admiring the buildings, some of which still have their old shop fronts.

An old Fromagerie

Then we picked up a couple of baguettes and went to the park to eat them and enjoy the view over Paris.  We also admired some of the very elegant buildings in which the "other half" reside.

Trees in the park

View to Paris from the Park

Homes in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

We have been to this lovely town a number of times over the years and it has never failed to delight us.  With one final sigh then it was back on the RER and home to our flat in Montmartre.