Asnières-sur-Seine - Tourism, Holidays & Weekends (2024)

Asnières-sur-Seine is a town in the Hauts-de-Seine in the Île-de-France region, northwest of Paris.

Located less than 10 km from the center of the capital, the city hitherto enclosed in a loop of the Seine developed remarkably from the construction of a bridge over the river in 1926, connecting it directly to Clichy And the 17th arrondissem*nt.

Until 1850, the village, formerly owned by the abbots of Saint-Denis, has only a thousand inhabitants and its activity is essentially agricultural.

With the arrival of the railway, its economy diversifies during the second half of the nineteenth century (services, industry) and its green environment on the banks of the Seine makes it a place of walk for the Parisians and soon also a residential city.

Asnières became Asnières-sur-Seine in 1968 has maintained its dual vocation of city to the preserved environment (many parks adjoining the real estate complexes) and hosting zones of tertiary activities (offices, shops) created to Substitute for industrial units.

Its heritage and its cultural vitality justify a visit during a stay in the Paris region.

Discovering the heritage of Asnières-sur-Seine begins with that of its oldest remarkable building: a pretty castle built between 1750 and 1752 for the Marquis de Voyer d'Argenson. Its plans were drawn by Jacques Hardouin-Mansart, the king's architect, and its interiors were also decorated by renowned artists. Now owned by the city, it has been restored and is a fine example of 18th century residential architecture. Free visit (following explanatory panels) or guided (Saturday afternoon or on registration). Price: from 1.50 to 3.50 euros. Free on the first Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Information on +33 1 71 07 82 28.

Also worth seeing is the Sainte-Geneviève church, rebuilt at the start of the 18th century to replace a first 12th century church which had become too cramped. Note that the portal is surmounted by a modern statue of Saint Geneviève, a replica of that of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre. The bell tower on a square tower is also interesting.

More recent, the town hall built from 1897 to 1899 is reputed to be representative of ceremonial republican architecture. Its majestic character (façade decorated with bas-reliefs) and its interior layout (staircase, gallery, wedding hall and sculpted cupolas, not to mention paintings by Paul Signac) demonstrate a real desire to provide the city, which was then booming, with a prestigious building.

In a different genre, the Vuitton museum, which adjoins the historic workshops of the famous brand, has been installed in an Art Nouveau style house. Housing original works and the company's archives, it is open to the public very occasionally (only a few days a year). Inquire on +33 1 71 07 82 28.

A site has also contributed to the notoriety of the city: the cemetery of animals (also called cemetery of dogs). Created in 1899, there are the graves of cats, dogs, birds, horses... or lions. The funerary monuments are sometimes monumental or even extravagant. To see in particular, the monument to the glory of Barry, a dog of the monks of the Grand Saint Bernard hospice who saved 40 people, or the one paying homage to the police dogs victims of duty. Star animals (such as Rintintin) or animals that belonged to celebrities (Saint-Saëns, Courteline, Sacha Guitry) are also buried here. Plan distributed at the entrance. Closed on Mondays and public holidays except November 1st. Price: 1.50 euros for children aged 6 to 12 (free for children under 6) and 3.50 euros for adults. Information on +33 1 40 86 21 11.

For a more complete visit of the city, note that thematic circuits have been designed. "Urban walks" are also organized with a guide (price: 2 euros). Brochures and information on +33 1 71 07 82 28.

Some of these circuits necessarily pass through one of the 19 squares and gardens of the city (which has a total of 38 hectares of green spaces).

Playgrounds for children and teenagers equip most of these squares and parks, but we will be particularly interested in those bordering the Seine, such as Robinson Park, to find some of the landscapes that inspired the 19th century number of impressionist painters (Van Gogh, Seurat…). Map available at the Tourist Office, Tel.: +33 1 71 07 82 28.

In the same spirit, we will not forget the marina named port Van Gogh, between the bridges of Clichy and Gennevilliers. It accommodates about fifty boats and proves to be a pleasant place for walks... The same place where once we embarked for canoe trips on the Seine.

For athletes, several quality equipment is available.

This is the case of the Franck Esposito swimming pool. Admission: 3.20 and 4.20 euros. Information on +33 1 47 99 05 26.

You can also combine sport and conviviality at the Courtilles ice rink. Admission: 3.20 and 4.80 euros. Information on +33 1 47 99 96 06.

Finally, for tennis, contact the local club on +33 1 47 93 68 90.

From January to December, are scheduled every second Wednesday of the month "the evenings of the Marquis", conferences and visits to the castle having as common point the Age of Enlightenment.

On the first Saturday of October, Asnières celebrates its Nuit Blanche. On the program, in particular, nocturnal visits to the animal cemetery, concerts and theatrical performances.

On the second weekend of October, Open Days are organized in artists' studios (glassmakers, visual artists, etc.). A meeting organized in conjunction with the neighboring towns of Bois-Colombes, Colombes and Gennevilliers.

On the last Sunday of November, at the château, Book Day brings together around a hundred authors. On the program, meetings, readings and signing sessions.

Numerous lively markets allow you to discover certain local products from the Ile-de-France region and the specialties of local artisans. Thursday and Sunday mornings avenue de la Redoute, Tuesday and Sunday mornings rue Henri Martin, Wednesday and Saturday mornings rue des Mourinoux, Tuesday and Friday mornings place de la République, Wednesday and Saturday mornings rue de Bretagne, Thursdays and Sunday morning Place des Victoires.

For Heritage Days in September, several visits and other activities are offered by the city. You can also visit the city thanks to the heritage terminals scattered around the city.