Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a small town to the west of Paris, easiy reachable by the RER A.

Most people go there to see the Château, which houses the National Archaeology Museum—well worth a visit.

But the town itself is charming, and is also the birthplace of Claude Debussy.

The house where Debussy was born now serves two functions. The first floor is the Office de Tourisme, where you can get maps, brochures, and other information about what to see and do in the town. Upstairs is a small museum devoted to Debussy.

The museum is just a 5 minute walk from the château, through narrow winding streets of the old town center.

Debussy was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1862, to a family of modest means. His talent was sufficient that he was able to study music at the Paris Conservatory, starting when he was 10 years old.

Sometimes referred to as an impressionist composer, Debussy did not follow the conventional rules of composition. His career was not without controversy, though he achieved considerable recognition as well. After his death the popularity of his music continued to grow.

In 1998 a statue of Debussy, by American sculptor Mico Kaufman, was erected in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Claude Debussy, by Mico Kaufman, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.

 

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