In Bourg-la-Reine, ceramic art, architectural history and public cultural offerings come together. The Collection Dalpayrat, Villa Hennebique and the Church of Saint-Gilles-Saint-Leu each have their own character; green spaces and the RER B connection add to the options for getting around during a stay. This is a way to discover the town through specific art and architecture themes, rather than focusing on just one attraction.
Dalpayrat Ceramics and Architectural History
The Collection Dalpayrat comprises more than 120 works collected by the town. It is the most extensive public presentation of Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat’s works. The Maison Dalpayrat and its collection are open to the public on the third Saturday of every month: from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., except in July and August. If you are planning a visit, check the date before travelling; the regular opening does not apply in the summer months of July and August.
Villa Hennebique offers another way to explore architectural history. Built between 1901 and 1903 to demonstrate the structural possibilities of reinforced concrete, it has been classified as a Monument historique since January 12, 2012. Its construction period and purpose make it an example of the use of this material; its later protected status is clearly distinct in time.
The Church of Saint-Gilles-Saint-Leu can also be understood through its different construction phases. It was built between 1835 and 1837 in the Neoclassical style and extended between 1893 and 1897. The interior also contains three paintings by 18th-century masters. The church thus combines a 19th-century building with artworks from an earlier period.
Public Art and Places of Remembrance
“Une rose au Paradis” consists of two frescoes beneath the RER B bridge at 30 Rue de Fontenay. This work adds a contemporary artwork at a precisely identified location to the architecture themes. At the landscape cemetery, visitors can see the crypt of remembrance and the stele dedicated to Charles Péguy; check access conditions before visiting. The cemetery is also home to the graves of Françoise Dolto, her son Carlos, François Hennebique, Albin Michel, André Theuriet, Aldo Bartelletty-Daillion and others.
The Médiathèque François-Villon is a free cultural venue open to everyone. Its program includes regular and seasonal events for all age groups. The building’s design is also noteworthy: it is built around a century-old walnut tree. This connects a cultural offering with a specific architectural feature; the current program is the key consideration when planning to attend an event.
Various festive events organized by the town and local associations are held at Villa Saint-Cyr. Vert Avril and Rencontres d’Art Contemporain are established town events. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the specific dates in advance.
Green Spaces and Routes Around Town
Bourg-la-Reine has 4.5 hectares of green spaces, suitable for relaxing and taking walks. This offers a different way to shape your stay than focusing on architectural and art history: you can balance cultural activities and time outdoors according to your interests, without having to follow a fixed sightseeing route.
There are two Vélib’ stations for getting around by bike: one with 30 spaces at Place de la Gare and one with 25 spaces at 55 Avenue du Général Leclerc. Locations and capacities may change; check the latest information before using them. As a seasonal activity, Cyclo-Rollers combines a monthly family outing with exploring the town by bicycle, roller skates or scooters. Dates vary by season and should be checked in the current calendar.
The Bourg-la-Reine Tourist Office has the “Accueil Vélo” label and offers cycle tourists specialized information and a wide range of services. Check the current offering before your trip. The RER B connects Bourg-la-Reine directly with Robinson, Gentilly, Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, Paris, and Orly and Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airports, among other destinations. Check the current service before planning your journey. When choosing Bourg-la-Reine as a destination, you can therefore consider both its cultural and green-space offerings and the several transport options mentioned.
Discover more destinations: Puteaux, Clichy, Villeneuve-La-Garenne, Colombes, Fontenay-Aux-Roses, Le Plessis-Robinson, Vanves, Levallois-Perret.
For the broader travel overview: Hauts-De-Seine.
