Summary
A prosperous western suburb of Paris, Courbevoie maintains a connection to the city center while offering a relaxed, residential ambiance. The area features several understated museums located in pavilions originally constructed for the Exposition Universelle in 1878. Additionally, Courbevoie encompasses part of La Défense, the modern financial district, providing access to futuristic urban architecture and France’s largest shopping center.
Despite its suburban location, Courbevoie is remarkably accessible to central Paris via the Métro Line 1. For comfort and convenience, this article addresses attractions in the western part of Paris first.
Let us examine the premier attractions in Courbevoie:
1. Musée Roybet Fould
This forgotten piece of Parisian history is housed within a wooden pavilion constructed by Norway and Sweden for the Exposition Universelle in 1878. Signifying a blend of antiquity and modernity, the structure represents traditional Scandinavian architecture alongside early prefabricated design. The museum’s permanent collections mainly feature works from the time of its inception, including paintings by Ferdinand Roybet and Consuelo Fould, in addition to sculptures by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, along with intriguing artifacts from the 19th century such as toys, dolls, postcards, and posters.
2. Pavillon des Indes
Another remnant from the Exposition Universelle in 1878 is the Pavillon des Indes. This charming pavilion was commissioned by the future Edward VII, then the Prince of Wales, to represent British India. Similar to the Musée Roybet Fould, it was originally located on the Champ de Mars near the Military Academy before being relocated to Courbevoie’s Parc de Bécon in the 1880s, where it is now designated as a “monument historique.” Having succumbed to neglect, the pavilion underwent restoration in 2013 and now serves as both a workshop and exhibition space for emerging artists, featuring a small exhibition on Courbevoie during the Third Republic.
3. Parc de Bécon
This tranquil park features the aforementioned pavilions and descends towards the left bank of the Seine. Additional points of interest include the facade of the Charras Barracks, which housed the Swiss Guard, mercenaries who protected the King from the 17th century until the Revolution and were notably massacred at the Tuileries Palace. Moreover, visitors can reflect on the memorial for National hero Maréchal Leclerc, who perished in a plane crash in 1947 and was posthumously honored with the title Marshal of France. From the monument’s terrace, a picturesque view of the river can be enjoyed.
4. Folie Saint James
Situated on the right bank of the Seine, the Folie Saint-James reflects a unique piece of history from the Ancien Régime. This house and Anglo-Chinese garden was commissioned by Claude Baudard de Saint James, the Treasurer of the French Navy in the late 1770s. The architect was granted full creative freedom, provided the budget allowed for extravagance, culminating in a striking miniature mountain at the heart of the garden, constructed with rocks reportedly transported at great expense. Alongside lies a Doric temple and pond, while the interior once featured a network of tunnels adorned with shimmering crystals.
5. La Défense
Many of Courbevoie’s affluent residents commute to the modern business district of La Défense, located just adjacent. Since its inception in the 1960s, La Défense has experienced extensive growth, adding numerous futuristic skyscrapers that would not receive planning permission in central Paris. Although new record-breaking structures are underway, the area currently provides a captivating space for leisurely exploration and photography of its distinctive architecture and art installations. The Grande Arche, a cube-shaped hollow structure aligned with the Arc de Triomphe several kilometers to the southeast, has become emblematic of La Défense.
6. Jardin d’Acclimatation
Accessible by car or metro, an attraction awaits just a few minutes away on the northern edge of Bois de Boulogne. This family-friendly destination offers a variety of rollercoasters, fairground attractions, a miniature train, mini golf, and animal exhibits. Established by Napoleon III in 1860, the Jardin d’Acclimatation retains a charming ambiance characterized by landscaped gardens and numerous 19th-century structures, ensuring a nostalgic atmosphere with traditional entertainments including pony rides and puppet shows.
7. Fondation Louis Vuitton
Conveniently located nearby is a notable cultural venue that is hard to overlook. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum has undergone recent transformation and features colorful canopies designed by the French conceptual artist Daniel Buren. Inside, the collection boasts works by influential contemporary artists, including Gilbert & George, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jeff Koons, as well as installations by Olafur Eliasson and Ellsworth Kelly, alongside a permanent exhibition detailing the construction of this visually striking building.
8. Château de Malmaison
While visitors may instinctively direct their gaze towards Paris for sightseeing, the western outskirts also hold significant attractions. Under favorable traffic conditions, this remarkable Imperial palace can be reached in approximately ten minutes. At the outset of the 19th century, the château even served as a dual seat of the French government alongside the Tuileries, acting as Napoleon’s final residence prior to his exile following the Hundred Days. The estate is closely associated with Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s first wife, who inhabited the property from 1799 until her death in 1814, making substantial investments in its grounds and interiors. The museum exhibits her personal belongings and memorabilia from her life with Napoleon.
9. Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul
While in the vicinity, visitors may wish to stop at this nearby church adjacent to the château. The Renaissance building, while modest in appearance, is notable for the significant events that unfolded within its walls and the memorials it houses. Joséphine passed away from pneumonia in 1814, and her funeral was conducted on June 2 of that year, with her tomb commissioned from architect Louis-Martin Berthault and sculptor Pierre Cartellier. Furthermore, the exquisite mausoleum of her daughter Hortense, mother of Napoleon III, lies within, as she commissioned this monument herself during her reign.
10. Local Markets
The Courbevoie area is home to four vibrant markets, operating five days a week. Among these, Marché Villebois Mareuil and Marché Charras are covered markets, while Marché Marceau and Marché du Faubourg de l’Arche are open-air venues. Each market offers a wide variety of products, including butchers, bakers, confectioners, fishmongers, florists, and cheese vendors, showcasing traditional artisanal creations. These markets are community staples, favored over supermarkets for several reasons: firstly, the produce is sourced directly from local farms, ensuring freshness by eliminating intermediary steps. Additionally, the traders are knowledgeable experts, providing tips on storage and preparation.
11. Shopping in La Défense
A short metro ride from one of the world’s fashion capitals brings you to La Défense, a notable shopping destination. In fact, it houses France’s most visited shopping mall, Les Quatre Temps, attracting approximately 50 million visitors annually. The expansive mall features 300 stores across four levels, encompassing almost every major brand, from Sephora to Uniqlo. Complementing the extensive shopping options, a diverse selection of restaurants and leisure facilities, including a 16-screen UGC cinema, enhances the visitor experience.
12. Bois de Boulogne
If you are visiting Courbevoie with children, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is not the only nearby attraction. The expansive Bois de Boulogne encompasses 845 hectares of natural beauty. Within this park lies the Lac Inferieur, where visitors can rent boats and row to an island at the center, which features a monument to Napoleon III, who initiated the park’s transformation in the 1850s. Additionally, the Château de Bagatelle, an intimate yet elegant hunting lodge for royalty, is located within the park, complete with formal gardens where peacocks freely roam.
13. Parc de Saint-Cloud
For a compelling reason to board the Transilien to this park, visitors can enjoy a romantic view of Paris from the terrace at La Lanterne. On clear days, distinguishing individual landmarks becomes a delightful experience. However, the park offers more than just vistas; the gardens within the Parc de Saint-Cloud were designed by the illustrious André Le Nôtre, who gained recognition for his work at Versailles. This terraced parterre once served the royal Château de Saint-Cloud, which was destroyed during the Franco-Prussian War and is now marked by rows of yew topiaries.
14. Musée Marmottan Monet
Situated in the western 16th Arrondissement, on the opposite side of the Bois de Boulogne from Courbevoie, lies the world’s largest Monet museum. This assertion is not an exaggeration: in 1966, Michel Monet, the artist’s son, bequeathed his father’s collection to the museum, endowing it with the most extensive array of Monet’s works anywhere. The exhibition uniquely chronicles every phase of Monet’s career, featuring the iconic Impression, Sunrise. Michel Monet’s donation is one of several in the 20th century that has enriched the museum with Impressionist masterpieces from artists such as Renoir, Sisley, Degas, Manet, Signac, Pissarro, and many others.
15. Paris Sights
Having explored the attractions near Courbevoie, it is essential to note that Paris itself is within close reach. Utilizing Métro Line 1, one can reach the Arc de Triomphe in under ten minutes, and the Place de la Concorde, Tuileries, and Louvre in less than twenty. The city offers a multitude of attractions, from leisurely strolls along the Seine and scenic cruises to the Eiffel Tower, to visiting the iconic Notre-Dame or browsing through elegant shopping passages. Moreover, guests can immerse themselves in culture at the Palais Garnier, Musée de l’Oranger, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée Rodin, all conveniently located for exploration. While these highlights are undoubtedly must-visit spots, they represent merely a fraction of what the city has to offer.
