Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France

Region: Île-de-France


Geographic Coordinates: 48.799400, 2.499700
Climate: Climate and weather patterns in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France vary throughout the year.
Population: 75298
Language: French

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is a charming commune located in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. Situated on the banks of the Marne River, This picturesque town offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, Historical landmarks, And modern amenities. With its rich history dating back to ancient times, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés has evolved into a vibrant community that attracts both locals and tourists alike. One of the highlights of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is its stunning natural surroundings. The town is blessed with lush green spaces and beautiful parks that provide residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

The Parc de Saint-Maur offers vast open spaces for picnics and leisurely walks, While Bois de Vincennes nearby provides an extensive forested area perfect for hiking or cycling. The historical heritage of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés can be seen through its well-preserved architectural gems. The Church of Saint-Nicolas dates back to the 12th century and features stunning Gothic architecture. Its intricate stained glass windows and towering spires make it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts. For art lovers, The Musée de Saint-Maur presents an impressive collection spanning various periods from medieval to contemporary art.

Housed in a former mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, This museum showcases works by renowned artists such as Monet, Renoir, And Degas. Food enthusiasts will also find plenty to indulge in within this quaint town. From traditional French bistros serving mouthwatering cuisine to trendy cafes offering artisanal pastries and coffee blends – there’s something to satisfy every palate in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. In addition to its cultural offerings, This commune boasts excellent transportation links that make it easy to explore other parts of Paris or neighboring towns. The RER A train line connects directly from Saint-Maur-Créteil station into central Paris within minutes.

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is also known for its strong sense of community and vibrant social scene. The town hosts numerous events throughout the year, Including festivals, Concerts, And markets. The lively atmosphere draws residents together and creates a welcoming environment for visitors. Overall, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés offers a perfect blend of history, Natural beauty, Cultural attractions, And modern conveniences. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture just outside the bustling city of Paris, This charming commune has something to offer everyone.



Important Landmarks

  1. Château de Saint-Maur-des-Fossés: This historic castle, dating back to the 17th century, is a major attraction in the city. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers guided tours.
  2. Parc de Saint-Maur: A large park located near the Marne River, offering picturesque walking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
  3. Église Saint-Nicolas: This beautiful church dates back to the 12th century and features stunning Gothic architecture.
  4. Musée de Saint-Maur – Villa Médicis: A museum housed in a former mansion that showcases art exhibitions and cultural events.
  5. Île Brise-Pain: An island on the Marne River known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities like boating and fishing.
  6. Le Parc des Bordes: A park with a lake where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or rent rowing boats during summer months.
  7. La Varenne-Saint-Hilaire Market: A traditional French market where visitors can explore local produce, cheeses, meats, flowers, and other goods.
  8. Les Bords de Marne: The banks of the Marne River offer scenic views with charming riverside restaurants serving delicious French cuisine.
  9. Jardin d’Arquebuse: A peaceful garden with beautiful flower beds perfect for relaxation or picnics.
  10. L’Abbaye du Val-de-Grâce (located nearby): An impressive abbey dating back to the 17th century known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.

Primary Industries

  1. Retail: The city has a vibrant retail sector with numerous shops, boutiques, supermarkets, and shopping centers catering to the local population.
  2. Services: Saint-Maur-des-Fossés has a wide range of service-based businesses such as banks, insurance companies, real estate agencies, legal services, accounting firms, consulting companies, and other professional services.
  3. Hospitality and Tourism: The city attracts tourists due to its historical sites like Château de Saint-Maur-des-Fossés and Parc de l’Abbaye. Consequently, there are hotels, restaurants, and cafes that cater to visitors’ needs.
  4. Healthcare: With several medical facilities including hospitals (such as Clinique des Noriets), clinics, and pharmacies in the area – healthcare is an important industry.
  5. Education: There are numerous schools ranging from primary to secondary level in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés along with private educational institutions offering various courses.
  6. Construction: As with many growing cities around Paris region or France itself – construction companies play a significant role due to ongoing infrastructure development projects or residential/commercial building constructions.
  7. Transportation: Although not an industry unique to Saint-Maur-des-Fossés itself but being part of Île-de-France region; transportation-related businesses like taxi services or car rentals can be found within the city catering both residents’ needs as well as tourists visiting nearby attractions or commuting into Paris.

It’s important to note that while these sectors are present in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés on varying scales depending on local demand – they may not represent the city’s main economic drivers.


Noteable History

  1. Ancient Origins: The area around Saint-Maur-des-Fossés was inhabited by Gauls before the Roman conquest. The Romans established a settlement called Caletum here.
  2. Medieval Abbey: In the 7th century, an abbey named Saint Peter of Fosses was founded in the town. It became an important religious center and played a significant role in the region’s history.
  3. French Revolution: During the French Revolution (1789-1799), several notable events occurred in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. The abbey was destroyed, and many religious buildings were repurposed or demolished.
  4. Notable Figures:
    • Louis-Antoine de Bougainville (1729-1811): A French navigator and explorer who circumnavigated the globe between 1766 and 1769.
    • Pierre Corneille (1606-1684): A famous French playwright known for his tragedies such as Le Cid and Horace.
    • Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687): An Italian-born composer who worked extensively at the court of Louis XIV, contributing significantly to French Baroque music.
  5. Industrial Development: In the late 19th century, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés experienced industrialization with factories being established along its riverbanks.
  6. World War II: During World War II (1939-1945), Saint-Maur-des-Fossés suffered from bombings by both German forces during their occupation of France and Allied air raids targeting strategic sites nearby Paris.
  7. Modern Developments: Today, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés is known for its picturesque setting along the Marne River, its historic buildings, and its vibrant cultural scene. The town has also seen significant urban development.

While these events and individuals have left their mark on Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, it is essential to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other notable historical events and figures associated with the town throughout its long history.


Museums and Things To See

  1. Musée de Saint-Maur – Located in the historic Château de Saint-Maur, this museum houses a collection of art and artifacts spanning various periods and styles.
  2. Parc de l’Abbaye – A beautiful park surrounding the remains of an ancient abbey, offering scenic walking paths, gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere.
  3. Le Comptoir des Arts – An art center that hosts exhibitions by local artists, showcasing contemporary artwork across different mediums.
  4. Eglise Saint-Nicolas – This stunning church features Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows dating back to the 13th century.
  5. La Villa Médicis – A cultural center that organizes concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, and other artistic events throughout the year.
  6. Le Parc du Tremblay – A large park with lakeside paths for walking or jogging, picnic areas, sports facilities including tennis courts and golf courses.
  7. Monument aux Morts de la Guerre d’Algérie et des Combats du Maroc et de la Tunisie – A memorial monument dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives during the Algerian War of Independence as well as conflicts in Morocco and Tunisia.
  8. Les Bords de Marne – The banks of River Marne offer picturesque views along with opportunities for boating or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll by the water’s edge.


Sports Teams

  1. Saint-Maur Volleyball Club: The volleyball club was founded in 1969 and has since become one of the most successful volleyball clubs in France. They have had both men’s and women’s teams competing at various levels, including national championships.
  2. US Créteil Handball (Créteil HB): Although not based directly in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, Créteil HB is a prominent handball club located nearby that represents the wider Val-de-Marne area. The team has had considerable success at the national level and has competed in top-tier handball leagues.
  3. Stade de l’Est Pavillonnais Rugby Club: Founded in 1928, this rugby club is one of the oldest sporting institutions in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. While they may not have achieved significant success at higher levels, they provide opportunities for locals to enjoy rugby.
  4. Tennis Club de Saint Maur: The tennis club offers facilities for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels since its establishment many years ago.
  5. Athletic Club de Boulogne-Billancourt (ACBB) Football: Although ACBB is based outside Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (in Boulogne-Billancourt), it serves as an important football club for many young players from surrounding areas like Saint-Maur who aspire to play professionally.

It should be noted that this list does not cover every sports team or discipline present within Saint-Maur-des-Fossés but highlights some notable examples with historical significance or achievements at various levels.



Cultural Events

  1. Festival de l’Oh: This is an annual event held in April along the banks of the Marne River. It celebrates water and environmental awareness through various activities, including boat races, concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.
  2. Fête de la Musique: Celebrated on June 21st every year, this festival brings together musicians of all genres who perform on the streets and in public spaces throughout the city. It is a lively celebration of music that attracts both locals and visitors.
  3. Les Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days): Taking place in September, this event allows visitors to explore historical buildings and sites that are usually closed to the public. Guided tours are organized to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés.
  4. Les Estivales: Held during summer months (July-August), Les Estivales is a series of outdoor concerts featuring various music styles such as jazz, classical, rock, and pop. The performances take place in different parks across the city.
  5. Salon des Arts Plastiques: This annual art exhibition showcases works by local artists from different disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, and more. It provides an opportunity for artists to display their creations while allowing visitors to appreciate contemporary art.
  6. Fête des Vendanges (Harvest Festival): Celebrated in October or November depending on grape harvest season; this festival pays homage to winemaking traditions with wine tastings from local vineyards along with food stalls offering regional delicacies.

These are just a few examples of cultural events and festivals that take place in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés throughout the year; however, it’s worth noting that specific dates may vary each year, so it’s advisable to check local event calendars for updated information before planning your visit.


Cuisine

  1. Le Petit Bouchon: Known for its traditional French cuisine, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and dishes like escargots de Bourgogne, coq au vin, and crème brûlée.
  2. L’Atelier du Pêcheur: A seafood-focused restaurant offering fresh catches of the day prepared in various ways such as grilled fish, bouillabaisse, and seafood platters.
  3. La Grange à Pizza: A popular pizzeria known for its wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings to choose from.
  4. Le Château de la Maréchale: Located in a beautiful 19th-century castle, this restaurant offers gourmet French cuisine with seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
  5. Les Petits Plats de Marc et Guy: A charming bistro serving classic French dishes like foie gras terrine, duck confit, and tarte Tatin.
  6. Au Petit Marguery: This traditional brasserie serves hearty dishes such as beef bourguignon, pot-au-feu (boiled beef stew), and crème caramel.
  7. L’Île Ô Crêpes: A cozy creperie offering both sweet and savory crepes filled with ingredients like ham, cheese Nutella or caramelized apples.
  8. Chez Valentin: Specializing in regional cuisine from Brittany (in northwestern France), this restaurant is known for its galettes (buckwheat pancakes) filled with various ingredients like smoked salmon or goat cheese.
  9. Le Jardin Gourmand: Offering a refined dining experience with creative French cuisine using fresh seasonal produce sourced from local markets.
  10. La Table d’Hôte des Saveurs du Monde: This unique restaurant showcases flavors from around the world through fusion dishes that blend different culinary traditions.

Parks and Recreation

  1. Parc de Saint-Maur: A large park with beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a lake where visitors can rent paddleboats.
  2. Parc de l’Abbaye: A serene park located near an old abbey ruins, offering lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere for picnics or leisurely walks.
  3. Île Fanac: An island located on the Marne River that offers walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding nature.
  4. Le Parc des Bordes: This park features sports facilities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, football fields, and a skatepark.
  5. Bois de Vincennes: Although technically not within Saint-Maur-des-Fossés but nearby in Paris, this vast forest offers numerous recreational activities including jogging paths, bike rentals, horseback riding trails, boating on the lake Daumesnil or Lac des Minimes.
  6. Piscine Caneton: A public swimming pool perfect for cooling off during hot summer days.
  7. Golf du Parc du Tremblay: A golf course with 18 holes set amidst beautiful surroundings which is open to both experienced players and beginners alike.
  8. Maison Pour Tous – Salle Des Fêtes La Varenne-Saint-Hilaire: This community center hosts various cultural events throughout the year including concerts and theater performances.

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