Registered as a Monument Historique by the French Ministry of Culture
It's not every day that you can spend your holiday in a building that was home to the kings and aristocrats of France. Granted, Pavillon Henri IV is one of the remaining sections of what was Château-Neuf de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the royal palace that was home to Henri IV and the birthplace of Louis XIV. Though the castle was mostly demolished, this restaurant and hotel is now protected as a monument historique by the French government. Aside from its royal origins, the hotel was also graced by famous guests like European kings and French novelists, including Alexandre Dumas. If you're planning a trip to France, be sure not to miss out on the exquisite food, lavish stays, and immersive heritage here.
19 rue Thiers, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, 78100
The Pavillon Henri IV is one of the surviving fragments of the once-grand Château-Neuf, originally developed in 1530, then expanded in 1556 under King Henri II. The chateau was later enlarged during the reign of King Henri IV, combining contributions from several architects such as Jean de Fourcy, Jean-Baptiste Androuet du Cerceau, and Louis Métezeau. Château-Neuf served as the royal residence for Henri IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV until about 1660, when the royal family returned to the older Château-Vieux.
Much of Château-Neuf was demolished in 1779 after being declared uninhabitable, though wings and sections remained intact and turned into separate buildings. The Pavillon Henri IV was recognized as a monument historique, notably because of the oratory pavilion where Louis XIV was born.
In 1825, the nearly derelict Pavillon Henri IV was purchased by entrepreneur Barthélémy Planté, who restored and enlarged the building before selling it to the Western Railway Company. It was then rented and turned into a restaurant by chef Jean-Louis-François Collinet, who is credited with the invention of pommes soufflées and sauce béarnaise at this very location. Throughout the 19th century, the Pavillon also became known for hosting notable figures, including the writer Alexandre Dumas and statesmen such as Adolphe Thiers.
During the 20th century, the Pavillon was occupied by Nazi German forces and used as their headquarters. Because of this, it became a primary target for Royal Air Force bombing, which was successful in 1942. As the years passed, the Pavillon was restored, and is now owned by Charles Éric Hoffmann, Ambassador of the UNF, a United Nations-affiliated NGO.
The Pavillon contains what historically was the oratory section of the Château-Neuf, now inscribed and protected as where Louis XIV was born in 1638. Despite being a fragment of the grand palace, the château's original structure, made of brick and carved stone remain intact. It still faces eastward over the Seine valley, also preserving the original intention for majestic vistas that Henri IV and his artisans envisioned. Though later adaptations have altered the interior and setting, particularly with accommodations now dressed in contemporary styles, Pavillon Henri IV still impresses with its elegance, opulence, and atmosphere.
Led by Chef Eric Lurthy, Restaurant Panoramique & Terrasse offers diners traditional French dishes that change with seasonal ingredients. The menu involves bistronomic and a la carte options, including starters such as duck foie gras, and mains like the signature Salers beef tenderloin. The venue includes both an indoor panoramic dining room and an outdoor terrace space, allowing meals to be enjoyed with scenic vistas of the surroundings of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The hotel also prepares a sumptuous breakfast every morning, served either at Panoramique or in a private lounge, so don't forget to start your day invigorated.
Opening hours:
Wednesday to Saturday: 12 pm - 1:30 pm (lunch); 7 pm to 9:30 pm (dinner)
Sunday: 12 pm to 2 pm
For a more traditional experience and ambiance, La Table du IV focuses on classic French dishes based on available weekly ingredients. Items include farm-fresh produce turned into vegetable flan with Comté and walnuts, and the bounty of the sea like sautéed prawns with parsley and Pastis. Iconic delicacies like beef bourguignon are also favorites, along with dessert options such as fruit salad and chestnut cream with hazelnut crumble.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Friday to Saturday: 7 pm – 9 pm
Alexandre Dumas - Prolific novelist and playwright, known for his works ike The Count of Monte Cristo, and The Three Musketeers.
Mohammed V - King of Morocco who was a key figure in the country's independence from France and Spain
Alphonse XII - King of Spain remembered for his reforms to establish a constitutional monarchy in his country
At Pavillon Henri IV, celebrate your wedding with the same pomp and glamor that defined the French aristocracy. The main venue is the Salon Historique, regarded as the most notable space in the hotel, as it was where Louis XIV was born. Aside from the historic hall, there are also a series of panoramic lounges overlooking the valley that can be used as secondary venues. For your event, you'll have the assistance of a dedicated team that will coordinate with planning and permissions, along with the catering's choice of seasonal menus.
For your stay at Pavillon Henri IV, you'll be treated to fine stays that acommodated esteemed personages and royalty over the decades. It's also a fantastic choice for its proximity to Saint-Germain-en-Laye's magnificent historic sites. Château Vieux de Saint-Germain-en-Laye was the former royal palace during the Middle Ages, later replaced by Château Neuf, which the hotel was part of. The National Archaeological Museum is located in Château Vieux, showcasing artifacts dating all the way back to ancient times. Next to the castle is Domaine national de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the historic park and terrace designed by André Le Nôtre, offering impressive views over the Seine Valley. Opposite the park is the Church of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a grand edifice built in the neoclassical style back in 1827 and still actively used.
The gorgeous venues of Pavillon Henri IV are also available for a variety of functions, such as meetings, seminars, and conferences. The hotel has seven fully equipped lounges with views overlooking Paris and the Seine Valley, providing an incredible backdrop for your event. Depending on the scale, you can book a venue for only 10 guests, or up to 350 attendees. The facilities include equipment such as fixed or mobile screens, projectors, flipcharts, and free unlimited Wi-Fi. Apart from corporate gatherings, the venue also accommodates private banquets in the restaurant or a private salon, particularly for celebrating momentous milestones.
Royal palace, built in the 12th century, that served as the residence for French monarchs. (10-minute walk)
Expansive park that was connected to the royal palaces of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and continues all the way to the Saint-Germain National Forest. (10-minute walk)
National museum located within Château Vieux de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, showcasing the history and artifacts of ancient France. (8-minute walk)
Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is the nearest international airport to Pavillon Henri IV, 43 minutes away.
The closest train station fo Pavillon Henri IV is Saint-Germain-en-Laye Station, a 10-minute walk from the hotel.