Attractions in Western Suburbs (Paris)

La Défense

With buildings such as the CNIT (Centre National des Industries et Techniques) or the Grande Arche, the architecture of the La Defense complex is definitely futuristic. Over 1000 major blue chip companies, 15 out of 50 of the world's largest, have set up their head offices here. La Defense also houses one of the largest shopping centers in Europe - the Quatre-Temps has over 250 shops. The promenade on the square (a vast concrete slab that makes up its base) exhibits contemporary sculptures by famous artists, such as Calder, Miro and Takis.

Les Château et jardins de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a splendid escape for a sunny afternoon. The Chateaus and its gardens are a reminder of the magnificent times under King Francois I. The castle is now home to the museum of National Antiquities, crammed with archaeological artifacts. There are also guided tours and workshops where you can try your hand at arts of the past. The gardens have many attractions (swings and pony rides) and an esplanade lets you admire one of the most beautiful views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower!

Église de l'Immaculée-Conception

This church was entirely rebuilt by the architect Maurice Grandjean from 1960-1964 after the original church in this location was destroyed during World War II and the provisional church, built of wood, burned down in 1958. Only the three bells in their tower remain of the original church. The design of the new church provides superb acoustics for the Beuchet-Debierre organs. Stained- and blown-glass windows are installed, looking out onto the surrounding gardens. Mass is offered Saturday evening and twice on Sunday.

Musée Fournaise

The collection and exhibits of the Musée Fournaise are devoted to the history of impressionism, as befits its location on the Île des Impressionnistes. It is housed on the upper level of the Maison Fournaise, originally a 19th-century boat-building workshop and restaurant. The quality of light on the water that so fascinated painters of the impressionist period can still be enjoyed by visitors to the museum.

Île des Impressionnistes

The Île des Impressionnistes of Chatou gives visitors an enjoyable experience of art history that evokes the spirit of the impressionist movement simply by its physical characteristics; Monet, Manet, and Pissaro were among those fascinated by the play of light on the water surrounding this litte island. Both the Musée Fournaise and a restaurant of traditional French cuisine today occupy an old boat-building workshop on the island. It also holds lovely gardens to stroll through, a center of contemporary art known as the cneai, and a second restaurant and tea room called Les Rives de la Courtille.

Église Saint-Antoine de Padoue

The Church of Saint-Antoine de Padoue was built beginning in 1897, with its distinctive stained-glass windows set in place between 1900 and 1910. They were created by the Lorin de Chartres workshop, and tell the story of the church's patron saint. The balance of cool and warm colors brighten the church, which also holds a eminent altar of marble, onyx, bronze, and enamel. Many other works of religious art, including high-relief stone carvings, soaring groin vaults, and modern sculpture, are found throughout the church.

Cathédrale Sainte-Geneviève

Saint Geneviève herself was born in Nanterre around the year 420, and grew up in the town. Legend tells of miracles she performed here, including curing her mother of blindness with well water (the well is also an important part of the religious complex), and the crypt of the chapel is said to have once been the cellar of her house. A new church was designed and constructed around the remains of the centuries-old building during the first half of the 20th Century, and the parts of the structure were again rebuilt in 1972.

Église Saint Pierre

The beautiful, aciculate façade of the Saint Pierre Church in Neuilly sur Seine forms the symmetrical construction at one end of a traditional, Roman cross-shaped place of worship. It houses an active Catholic parish in majestic architecture, surrounded by vegetation although it is centrally located (not far from La Défense) and serves an urban population. For enthusiasts of religious music, the organ is as impressive as the architecture.

Collégiale Notre-Dame de Poissy

Situated in the royal city of Poissy, Collégiale Notre-Dame de Poissy is one of the most impressive historical structures in the Ile-de-France. This Romano-Gothic church was constructed in the 12th Century, and it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Notre Dame de Paris, since it was designed by the very same architects! The church is a trove of historic artwork and religious artifacts, featuring ancient Roman iconography, marvelous tapestries, and chapels sculpted in 1150.

Église Réformée de Neuilly sur Seine

Offered up for rent or purchase after the War of 1870, the Protestant Temple of Neuilly was not officially church property until March of 1903. It was entirely renovated in 1966, on the occasion of the building's 100th anniversary, essentially creating the structure as it remains to this day. Numerous schools, bible studies, conferences, and lectures are organized at the church.

Petite Malmaison

Intended to shelter greenhouses, the Petite Malmaison was designed by a landscape architect as an integral part of the Malmaison estate. It was completed in 1805 as a technological accomplishment for the era, enclosed partially by glass walls and including a reception hall. Thematic and seasonal exhibits continue to be hosted here.

Église Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul

The first church of Rueil-Malmaison, Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul boasts a history which stretches back to the 8th Century. The current edifice includes a nave, 40 meters (131 feet) long and 13 meters (42 feet) high, dating from the 16th Century and a 17th-century façade which echoes the architectural style of the Église de la Sorbonne. Beautifully carved statues and tombs also make this church worth a visit.