1905 Chateau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye France Vintage Postcard

About This Vintage Postcard

This early 20th-century view captures the expansive Chateau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye as seen from the Rond-Point de la Terrasse (Terrace Circus). Before the royal court moved to Versailles, this castle served as a primary residence for the Kings of France and was the birthplace of Louis XIV. The image showcases the unique Renaissance architecture commissioned by Francois I, blending stone and brickwork. In the foreground, the manicured gardens and an ornate stone urn highlight the grand landscape design of Andre Le Notre. By the time of this image, the chateau had become home to the National Museum of Archaeology, a role it still serves today.

Details

Era: Divided Back (1905-1910)
City: Saint-Germain-en-Laye
State or Region: Yvelines (formerly Seine-et-Oise)
Country: France
Topic: Royal Residences, French Renaissance Architecture, Formal Gardens, Historic Castles
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: Unposted; no postmark or stamp
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: A.P.
Publisher: Cormault et Papeghin, Paris
Printer: Cormault et Papeghin
Print Type: Collotype

Additional Information

The production date is narrowed to 1905-1910 based on the publisher's partnership history and the divided back layout. The card was published by Cormault et Papeghin, a prominent Paris-based firm known for high-quality topographical views, identified by the A.P. initials on the front and the full imprint on the vertical divider. The card is numbered 4 in their series. The front features a bilingual caption in French and English, reflecting the town's status as a popular destination for international travelers visiting the historic terrace and its famous views over the Seine valley.

Love it ♡
Get it ☆
Get Lucky 💋 Vintage