Happy TravellerDiscover the charming commune of La Garenne-Colombes, located in the northwestern suburbs of Paris, France. Despite being just 9.6 km (6.0 mi) from the center of Paris, the city boasts a unique atmosphere all of its own. Let’s take a closer look at what makes La Garenne-Colombes such a special destination.
La Garenne-Colombes owes its name to its past as a warren, or place where hunting took place, during the French monarchy in the 18th century. Today, it is a densely populated municipality and one of the most affluent in Europe.
Geographically, La Garenne-Colombes is a small city surrounded by Colombes to the north, Bois-Colombes to the east, Courbevoie to the south, and Nanterre to the west. It is conveniently served by two stations on the Transilien Paris – Saint-Lazare suburban rail line: La Garenne-Colombes and Les Vallées.
La Garenne-Colombes is mainly a residential city, but the service industry is paramount in its economy. The proximity to La Défense, the most advanced part of the city of Paris, has increased the phenomenon. The city landscape looks like an American Central Business District, but paradoxically, it is in the suburbs of Paris.
One of the most exciting developments coming to the area is the arrival of line 2 of the Parisian Tramway in 2022. This will cross La Garenne-Colombes with two stations: Les Fauvelles and Charlebourg, with a direct link to the city center in just 2-4 minutes. The redevelopment of a part of the city around these stations should bring a new breath of life to the local economy.
Despite being a built-up city, La Garenne-Colombes boasts eight green spaces, including two public squares, two gardens, and four parks. Commonly known places to visit include Place de la Liberté, Place du Général Leclerc, Place de Belgique, Rond-point du Souvenir français, and Rond-point de l’Europe.
For those interested in history, La Garenne-Colombes has a rich past, having been named in 1240 as La Garenne dépendant de Colombes. In 1910, its territory was detached from the commune of Colombes, and the city of La Garenne-Colombes was created. Today, it is one of the most affluent communes in the Hauts-de-Seine department, which is one of the richest places in Europe.
La Garenne-Colombes is also known for being the birthplace or residence of several notable personalities, including French actor Patrick Chesnais, French gymnast Émilie Lepennec, and American painter, filmmaker, and photographer William Klein. In addition, it boasts the lowest crime rate in the Hauts-de-Seine department, making it a safe and welcoming destination for visitors.
Overall, La Garenne-Colombes is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, a fascinating history, and a welcoming atmosphere that will make any visitor feel at home. Come and discover this charming commune for yourself!
