On Rue Pierre Hémonnot, a 4.5-metre-long map of Saint-Gratien, designed by Cyril Pedrosa, is permanently displayed in a public space. This particular work of art is a striking introduction to the town: alongside local culture in public spaces, Saint-Gratien offers château history, ecclesiastical art treasures, performing arts and opportunities to exercise. The town is served by RER line C; check the timetable before travelling.
Town history and art in public spaces
The Château du Maréchal de Catinat was built in 1610 in the style of Louis XIII. Its façades and roofs have been partially protected as historic monuments since 19 March 1965. The château thus brings together two distinct historical reference points: its construction in the early 17th century and the later protection of certain parts of the building. There is also an exhibition space on the first floor.
The present-day Église Saint-Gratien was built with the support of Princess Mathilde Bonaparte and consecrated on 29 May 1859. Its furnishings include objects from the 18th and 19th centuries that are protected or listed as historic monuments, including the sarcophagus of Marshal de Catinat. If you would like to visit the church interior, check access locally.
The statue of Andromède also reflects the history of the place: it was created by Franceschi and acquired by Princess Mathilde Bonaparte in 1860 for her park in Saint-Gratien. Its restoration was completed in 2025. The “Inventaire(s)” project offers another, recurring view of the town and its surroundings: every year since 2005, an acclaimed illustrator has been invited to interpret Saint-Gratien from their own perspective.
Art, theatre and cinema
The Espace Jacques Villeglé is dedicated to contemporary art. Its public programme includes exhibitions, tours and workshops. As individual exhibitions and dates are time-limited, it is worth checking the current programme if you have specific days in mind. The Espace offers a cultural focus distinct from the town’s historic buildings and objects.
The Théâtre Jean Marais is Saint-Gratien’s main venue for the performing arts. A cultural season features around twenty interdisciplinary performances spanning theatre, dance, circus, storytelling and concerts. Tours led by cultural facilitators can offer insights into areas open to the public as well as normally inaccessible spaces, including backstage areas, artists’ dressing rooms and the technical control room. Check in advance whether such tours are offered and what participation requirements apply.
The Les Toiles cinema has three screens; its programme changes over time. The “Un Monde… Des Cultures” festival also has its own distinct focus: for more than ten years, it has celebrated the diversity and richness of cultures, with themes ranging from folklore to contemporary artistic life. If you would like to go to the cinema, a performance or an exhibition on a particular day, check the relevant dates and programmes.
Exercise and getting there
For exercise, Saint-Gratien has a four-kilometre fitness trail with nine exercise stations. The equipment may be undergoing maintenance; check its condition before use. In the Quartier des Marais, there is also a 3.5-hectare green space above the Boulevard Intercommunal du Parisis (D170). RER line C is a useful travel option; check the timetable before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Deuil-la-Barre, Boisemont, Vigny, Sannois, Maffliers, Saint-Cyr-en-Arthies, Méry-Sur-Oise, Éragny.
For the overview of the wider area: Val-D'oise.
