Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Colombes, France

Located northwest of Paris, Colombes is a suburb that provides convenient access to the city center. Surrounding Colombes are remnants of the industrial activity that characterized the area during the 19th and 20th centuries. The historical factories and warehouses have since been repurposed into offices, retail establishments, and upscale residences.

Colombes has attracted affluent residents and service enterprises, due to its proximity to La Défense. The Yves-du-Manoir stadium in Colombes was the venue for various events during the 1924 Paris Olympics and is currently the home of the esteemed Racing 92 Rugby Club. Moreover, if you wish to explore the capital, you can reach Paris Saint-Lazare Station in less than 20 minutes via the suburban train network.

Let us explore the most notable attractions in Colombes:

1. Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir

The renowned Top 14 rugby club Racing 92 utilizes this 14,000-seat stadium in Colombes for its home matches.

Les Ciel et Blanc consistently compete at the highest level in the division and secured the championship in the 2015-16 season.

If you have a penchant for premier rugby, this venue offers an exceptional experience, featuring an impressive roster of international players such as the New Zealander Dan Carter, esteemed as one of the all-time greats.

The stadium also has significant historical value: it hosted various events including athletics during the 1924 Paris Olympics, as well as being the stage for the 1938 World Cup, which was won by an Italian team under the leadership of Giuseppe Meazza.

2. Musé e Municipal d’Art et d’Histoire

Long before it became a suburb of Paris, Colombes was home to its own château, which was occupied by notable historical figures.

One of these figures was Henrietta Maria, the widow of English King Charles I, who sought refuge here following his execution by Oliver Cromwell in 1649. This historical context is one of several threads one may explore at the local museum.

Visitors can also delve into the 19th and 20th centuries, a period marked by industrialization, when the area became a hub for companies such as Ericsson, Goodrich Tyres, and the perfumer Guerlain.

Colombes’ sporting heritage is also emphasized through an exhibition recounting the 1924 Olympics.

3. L’Avant Seine

A cultural establishment of pride for Colombes, L’Avant Seine is a contemporary theater that has been in operation since 1991. Even 25 years post-construction, the 1,000-seat auditorium boasts state-of-the-art facilities, with a stage that can be adjusted for various performances using hydraulic technology.

The performance season commences in May and presents a diverse array of shows, encompassing plays, opera, dance, film screenings, music, comedy, and magic.

Visitors may also consider dining at the theater’s chic restaurant.

4. Ancienne Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul

This former church is recognized as a French monument historique but has been in a state of disrepair for nearly five decades.

Its impressive structure was compromised due to its location next to a main road that was widened in 1968, necessitating the demolition of the nave.

The existing remnants include the bell tower and several archways, with stonework dating back to the 1100s.

A church has been established on this site since the early Middle Ages, and during the road’s excavation in the 1960s, workers unearthed Merovingian burials.

5. Esplanade de La Défense

Unless traveling for business, the allure of La Défense primarily resides in its shopping opportunities, modern architecture, and avant-garde sculptures.

The extensive Esplanade de La Défense offers an experience akin to walking through a canyon, flanked by towering skyscrapers.

For those who prefer a leisurely pace, there are numerous unique pieces of public art to admire, most of which were installed during the 1980s and 1990s.

Notable installations include Michel Deverne’s Grande Mosaïque and Le Pouce (a monumental bronze thumb) by César Baldaccini.

Additionally, one can witness the historical beginnings of La Défense at the double-shelled, reinforced concrete CNIT building, completed in 1958, which continues to captivate visitors.

6. Grande Arche

The Axe Historique runs through Paris in a diagonal trajectory from La Défense to the Louvre.

Standing at the Grande Arche, it is quite fulfilling to gaze through its portal towards the Arc de Triomphe several kilometers away to the southeast.

Completed in 1989, the Grande Arche is undoubtedly the most photogenic landmark in the district.

As of May 2017, visitors regained access to the rooftop after it was closed following an elevator incident in 2010. Here, one can appreciate how it was constructed along another axis with the tallest structures in the city, including the Tour Montparnasse and the Eiffel Tower.

7. Île de la Jatte

Within a 10-minute drive lies Île de la Jatte, a river island situated between Courbevoie and Neuilly-sur-Seine.

Although the island now hosts approximately 4,000 residents, it was originally comprised of parkland for the now-demolished Château de Neuilly.

A Temple of Eros, located at the southern tip of the island, is among the few remaining remnants of this estate.

After undergoing redevelopment under Napoleon III during the 19th century, Île de la Jatte became a favored destination for Impressionist painters, who would set up their easels to capture the beauty of the Seine.

An Impressionist trail currently guides visitors to various scenes immortalized by Monet, Sisley, van Gogh, and notably Seurat, whose portrayal of the riverside remains iconic.

8. 17th Arrondissement

For those wishing to observe the Parisian elite in their natural surroundings, a brief ten-minute train journey will take you to this affluent district.

The layout of the 17th Arrondissement, as it currently appears, was designed by Baron Haussmann, characterized by broad streets and magnificent townhouses.

At street level, there are an array of boutiques and upscale dining establishments.

This area also features two vibrant food markets: the Marché Poncelet, a permanent street market, and the Marché des Batignolles, replete with outdoor stalls.

The Parc Monceau within this arrondissement is adorned with follies commissioned in the 18th century by the Duke of Chartres, who was a cousin of Louis XVI and subsequently met a grim fate during the Revolution.

9. Arc de Triomphe

This landmark stands as the closest significant Parisian monument to Colombes, situated a mere five kilometers away. By setting out early on a weekend morning, one could reach it in as little as 10 minutes by vehicle.

However, travel may take longer during peak hours, as the Arc de Triomphe serves as a quintessential symbol of Paris, alongside the Eiffel Tower.

The name “Arc de Triomphe” signifies a triumphal arch constructed in the Classical style to commemorate those who fell during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars at the turn of the 18th century.

Intricate reliefs depicting battles and the names of key figures are carved into the limestone.

Ascending to the rooftop offers an uninterrupted view extending along the Axe Historique.

10. Palais Garnier

This iconic Beaux-Arts opera house is recognized as a benchmark for performance venues globally.

Acquiring a ticket for one of the ballets held at the Palais Garnier necessitates planning well in advance. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile to visit for a tour of the premises.

The lavish interior is a sight to behold, featuring friezes, balustrades, columns, and statues crafted from an array of colored marbles.

The ceiling in the Grand Foyer is adorned with a painting by Marc Chagall.

The Italianate auditorium accommodates nearly 2,000 spectators and boasts the largest stage in Europe, capable of holding a cast of 450 performers.

11. 1st Arrondissement

On the right bank of the Seine, numerous monuments and institutions that define Paris can be found.

A train from Colombes to Paris Saint-Lazare takes about 15 minutes, allowing you to leisurely proceed towards the river.

Along the way, you’ll encounter world-class museums such as the Louvre, Musée de l’Orangerie, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

One can also explore sites rich in historical significance, including Cardinal Richelieu’s Palais Royal and the Jardin des Tuileries, the former site of Louis XVI’s palace, which was stormed by the National Guard during the Revolution.

12. Shopping Passages

Adjacent to the station at Saint-Lazare, the 2nd Arrondissement is both a financial hub and a shopper’s paradise.

Shopping becomes an artistic experience at the Passages Couverts, covered galleries that emerged at the close of the 18th century and have since become integral to the city’s architectural landscape.

There are six such passages in the 2nd Arrondissement, and a rapid tour will take about an hour. However, it is advisable to explore at a leisurely pace, appreciating the mosaic flooring in Galerie Vivienne, admiring the nave-like ceiling in the Passage du Grand Cerf, or browsing the postcard shops in the Passage des Panoramas.

13. 8th Arrondissement

Accessible via public transportation, the 8th Arrondissement features its own array of significant landmarks and intriguing museums.

Cultural offerings include the Grand and Petit Palais, the extensive collection of Italian art at the Musée Jacquemart-André, as well as the Chinese treasures housed in the Musée Cernuschi.

La Madeleine, a Neoclassical church designed to resemble a Roman temple, was constructed during Napoleon’s rule in the early 1800s.

Additionally, one cannot overlook the renowned Place de la Concorde, the site where Louis XVI was executed in 1793, and the iconic Champs-Élysées, which has witnessed defining historical moments, including the celebrations of the 1998 World Cup.

14. Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Traveling eastward from Colombes will bring you to a vast flea market that operates on weekends and Mondays.

Established in 1870, it has evolved into a nine-hectare site hosting around 2,000 vendors and attracting up to five million visitors annually.

Though the market has changed and lost some of its quirky charm over recent years, it remains a haven for antique enthusiasts.

If you are willing to navigate through the market, you may discover a variety of un-restored furniture, lighting fixtures, mirrors, artwork, statuettes, toys, records, clothing, lamps, and countless other pre-owned items.

15. Les Quatre Temps

For a distinctly different shopping experience, consider visiting this shopping center in La Défense.

Prepare for an overwhelming experience; Les Quatre Temps is the most frequented mall in France, accommodating nearly 50 million visitors annually since its renovation in 2008. The statistics surrounding this impressive facility are quite remarkable, featuring over 300 stores across four levels.

Fortunately, parking is not a concern at this mall, as it boasts 6,500 parking spaces available across four levels.

This location may not cater to those seeking niche boutiques or unique shops.

However, if you desire an abundance of mainstream brands and mass-market chains in one convenient location, Les Quatre Temps is just a quick journey from Colombes.