Paris Suburbs Hotels

Forget the fast-food-restaurant-laden surrounds of New York, or the industrial outskirts of Sydney – the suburbs of Paris are all class. Take in the history and majesty (and souvenir sellers) of Versailles, admire the quaint scenery of Chantilly and get some respite from the hustle, bustle and attitude of central Paris at the academic centre of Créteil. It takes a special city to have suburbs this good. Take a bow (again), Paris…

Paris Suburbs’ Top 10

Paris Suburbs History

• Cathédrale Saint-Louis - An 18th-century cathedral with intricate stained-glass windows.
• Château et jardins de Saint-Germain-en-Laye - Chateaux and gardens in the western suburbs.
• Cathédrale Sainte-Geneviève - Church built in early 20th century over the remains of the original chapel.
• Église Saint-André - Located in the eastern suburbs, this urban church is where cultural events are hosted.
• Église Saint-Lubin - Events include gospel concerts.

Paris Suburbs Art & Culture

• Espace Gagarine - In the northern suburbs, the Jazz Festival and World Music Festival are held.
• Mille Jazz Club - Events include the Festival Africolor and Ville des Musiques du Monde Music Festival.
• Ivry-sur-Seine - A southeast Paris suburb is the location for 15 museums operated by the Ville de Paris.
• Mains d’Oeuvres - Located in Saint-Ouen, north of Paris, with a cinema and concert hall.
• Maison de la Musique of Nanterre - In the western suburbs, this venue has dance performances and concerts.

Paris Suburbs Shopping

• Centre Commercial Evry - Located in the southern suburbs, the shopping centre has 235 shops and 28 restaurants.
• La Vallee Outlet Village - Close to Disneyland Paris, this all-inclusive shopping centre has exceptional bargains.
• Ralph Lauren Store - Located in a restored mansion on Boulevard Saint Germain on the Left Bank.
• Quai des Marques - Mall in the suburbs of Paris, located on rue du Général Leclerc.
• Troyes - Paris suburb with over 200 shops featuring designer clothes at discounts.

Gay & Lesbian Paris Suburbs

• Le Marais - Gay neighbourhood with restaurants, shops and bars.
• Le Club 18 - The oldest gay club in Paris opens after midnight on weekends.
• Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie in Le Marais – Restaurants, cafes, theatres, bookstores and shops.
• Banana Cafe - All-night dancing on the Champs-Elysses.
• Paris Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - Annual event held every November, as well as the Paris Gay Pride celebration in June.

Paris Suburbs Outdoor

• Barbizon - Village that inspired many of the French impressionist painters, located 45 minutes outside of Paris.
• Giverny - Village outside of Paris where Monet lived. Many vineyards, archaeological digs and breathtaking scenery.
• Basilica of Saint Denis - Gothic-style cathedral, similar to Westminster Abbey.
• Hot air balloon rides - Fountainbleau to Loing Valley. See beautiful scenery from the sky.
• Le Vésinet - Small parks and lakes, with a market and an array of restaurants.

Paris Suburbs Sport

• Stade de France - Located in Saint Denis, for track and field, rugby and football.
• Racing Metro 92 - In the suburb of Colombes, for championship rugby matches.
• Tour de France - One of the suburbs of Paris is a great place to watch the annual race.
• Old Golf of Chantilly - Private golf course first opened early in the 20th century, located 24 miles from the centre.
• Climbing - Club Alpin du pays de Fountainbleau, for group climbs and events.

Paris Suburbs Events

In March, watch as the Banlieues Bleues Festival gives the City of Lights a run for its money with the hottest blues and jazz acts from around the world.

Also in March, Créteil hosts a contemporary dance and theatre festival known as the Festival Exit.

In April and May, the Foire du Trone comes to Bois de Vincennes – it’s a traditional country fair that dates back over 1,000 years.

When To Go

With fairly mild winters and pleasant summers, the suburbs around Paris follow much the same temperature fluctuations as the city itself.

It’s rainiest in the springtime, so if you’re planning on doing a lot of outdoor sightseeing, pack a brolly!

Summer sees the tourist throng descend en masse, but the feeling of joie de vivre can’t be beaten. Many actual French people make a mass exodus from the area in August – which may or may not be a positive for you.

Getting Around

Paris’ suburbs are all easily accessible via the Paris RER, the regional rail network.

Hiring a car and making your own way around is a great way to experience la vie Française.

General Information

Attractions

Events

Climate

Paris Suburbs on Wikipedia

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