A southern suburb of Paris, Massy is a newly developed area designed for commuters in the 1960s. Before its development, this region had served as a quiet rural retreat for notable figures, including the Romantic writer Chateaubriand and Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the influential Minister of Finance under Louis XIV. Both of their former residences are accessible, complete with lovely grounds maintained as museums.

Being just a short distance from Paris, you can reach Notre-Dame Cathedral in approximately 30 minutes via the RER, making it easy to explore not only Massy but also the charming attractions of the left bank of the Seine.

1. Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

This church is located along the ancient pilgrimage route, the Way of St James, which traverses Massy on its journey to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Historically, many pilgrims paused here for worship; however, the church suffered extensive damage during the Allied bombings in WWII. The only remnant of the original building is the 13th-century bell tower, preserved as a monument alongside a newer church built in the 1950s.

2. Opéra de Massy

Unique to the Île-de-France region outside of Paris, Massy boasts the only opera house in the vicinity. The venue hosts an array of performances, including dance, theatre, literary recitals, and music, alongside operas like Tosca and Faust that have graced the stage in recent years. This impressive building opened in 1993, costing 172 million Francs. For those interested, guided tours are offered to explore behind the scenes, where you can visit the rehearsal stage and orchestra pit.

3. Local Sights

While Massy may not be teeming with famous landmarks, it’s worth exploring the charming elements of the suburb. Before its reconstruction post-war, Massy was a tranquil retreat for prominent Parisians, including the historian Fustel de Coulanges and famed surgeon Jacques-René Tenon, whose stately mansion on 66 Rue de Versailles still stands. Notable residential sites include the Château du Haut and La Cimade, both deserving admiration from the street. Additionally, the area features striking modern sculptures, with Raymond Moretti’s Arbre de Lumière being a standout piece from 1989.

4. Centre Culturel Paul B

The Centre Culturel Paul B offers a modern and vibrant setting for performances and showcases emerging musical talent. It hosts an eclectic mix of genres including jazz, indie, hip hop, and world music. The venue focuses on strong acoustics, featuring a large auditorium with a capacity of nearly 1,000, along with a cozy club stage for 400 attendees, perfect for discovering new artists in this diverse area.

5. Parc de Sceaux

The nearby suburb of Sceaux became the chosen residence of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who constructed an impressive château that has since been replaced by a Louis XIII-revival mansion during the Second Empire. The surrounding park, designed by the renowned gardens designer André Le Nôtre, boasts meticulously geometric landscaping and magnificently trimmed topiaries that echo the grandeur of Versailles.

6. Musée du Domaine Départemental de Sceaux

This museum encompasses the château and its outbuildings, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the Paris School of art and remarkable architecture. The Pavillon d’Aurore holds fragments of Colbert’s original 17th-century château, while sculptures dating back to his era can be found in the orangery. The museum’s main gallery features over 400 landscapes from the 1800s by well-known artists such as Georges Michel and early photographs by Eugène Atget and Félix Martin-Sabon.

7. Maison de Chateaubriand

This residence, known as Vallée-aux-Loups, served as a tranquil retreat for the writer-turned-politician François-René de Chateaubriand. Initially acquired by him and his wife Céleste in 1807, the property features a beautiful park where he wrote his memoirs. The 56-hectare grounds showcase 500 species of trees and shrubs, reflecting Chateaubriand’s interests in travel and botany. The area also includes the picturesque Île Verte, which has housed several cultural luminaries over the years.

8. Marché International de Rungis

If you’re an early riser, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit Rungis, home to the largest wholesale market in the world. This vast 234-hectare complex is a hub for 13,000 workers and accommodates around 26,000 vehicles daily. While it’s not a place for casual grocery shopping, it operates as an essential logistical center, supplying food to restaurants across Paris. Guided visits are available, with the earliest tours commencing at 04:30, catering to those eager to witness this colossal operation.

9. Paris Catacombs

Just a short 20-minute RER ride takes you to an extraordinary ossuary, where the bones of approximately six million Parisians are artistically displayed. While this collection of bones may appear macabre, it serves as a historical response to a crisis that unfolded in the 1700s when Paris ran out of burial space. Consequently, cemeteries were emptied, and remains were relocated to these old quarries situated in the 14th Arrondissement.

10. Tour Montparnasse

For those looking to avoid the long lines at the Eiffel Tower, the Tour Montparnasse offers a swift alternative for breathtaking views of the Paris skyline, complete with the Eiffel Tower itself. Standing at 210 meters tall, the observation deck offers superb vistas during the day, and the city transforms into a romantic spectacle at night when the Eiffel Tower is illuminated.

11. Musée National du Moyen Âge

As you head toward the Seine from the south, the RER will bring you to one of Paris’s oldest sections. The Hôtel de Cluny originally served as an elegant residence for the Abbots of Cluny and evolved into a palatial building in the early 16th century. This site displays a remarkable blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, showcasing an extensive collection of medieval artifacts, including the celebrated Lady and the Unicorn tapestries woven around 1500.

12. Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter, traditionally a hub for intellectuals and artists, offers a lively atmosphere inspired by its numerous educational institutions like the famed Sorbonne. Named for the historical prevalence of the Latin language among academics, this region has seen gentrification over the years but still retains its bohemian spirit. Explore the streets where 20th-century cultural icons like Picasso, Camus, and Hemingway once wandered.

13. Jardin de Luxembourg

The Jardin de Luxembourg is a beloved park on the left bank, designed during the Renaissance by Marie de Medici. With its stunning sculptures and monuments from her era scattered throughout, the garden is famous for its long, rectangular Medici Fountain, built in 1631. Additionally, the garden features iconic green chairs and over 100 statues, including works by Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty.

14. Île de la Cité

On the historically rich Île de la Cité, you’ll find some of Paris’s most iconic and picturesque monuments. In under 30 minutes on the RER, you can visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture revered worldwide. Explore the Conciergerie, a former medieval royal palace turned prison, and admire the stunning 13th-century stained glass at Sainte-Chapelle while strolling across the charming Pont-Neuf, the oldest bridge in the city.

15. Versailles

Located on the southwestern outskirts of Paris, the Palace of Versailles can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, making it an accessible day trip. There’s so much to explore within this marvel, from the Hall of Mirrors to the King’s Apartments, sprawling gardens, and pavilions. To truly appreciate Louis XIV’s luxurious lifestyle, visitors can spend an entire day here without exhausting all the regal experiences on offer.