The garden city of Stains

An urban paradise to explore

Conceived a century ago, the garden city of Stains is an unexpected interlude in the heart of the Paris suburbs. With its old-fashioned pavilions, flower-filled gardens and close-knit community atmosphere, it’s a harmonious blend of heritage and neighborhood spirit. A true immersion in an urban dream, designed to be both beautiful and functional.

A visionary project Ahead of its time

In the early 1920s, Henri Sellier decided to respond to the post-World War I housing crisis with a groundbreaking project: garden cities. The idea? Create a space that combines the best of both worlds, between town and country.

The result: streets lined with small brick houses, gardens for all, and an organization where everyone can feel at home. The inspiration comes from England, but the style remains French, with a touch of modernity for the time.

A lively place and a unique location

The garden city of Stains isn’t just a vintage setting: it’s alive and well.

Mémoires de Cité-Jardin, created in 2008 in the heart of the garden city of Stains, is a place dedicated to heritage and tourism.

It features a permanent exhibition on the history of garden cities, enriched by testimonials from local residents. Today, more than 1,500 homes are inhabited, right in the heart of this veritable haven of peace.

Concrete and garden Between town and country

The garden city of Stains combines history and tranquility. A piece of history set between old-fashioned pavilions and tree-lined alleys, where concrete gives way to breathtaking gardens. Here, people take the time to live, in a peaceful atmosphere where neighbors know each other and time seems to stand still.

It’s an unsuspected green bubble, an escape from the urban hustle and bustle, yet right in the heart of the city. A place where you can rediscover what it means to live well, far from the stress, but just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle.

Île-de-France Garden Cities regional association

Since 2009, a network of garden cities has been formed to preserve and promote this unique heritage. The regional association of garden cities in Île-de-France, created in 2015 at the Musée d’Histoire Urbaine et Sociale (MUS) in Suresnes, now brings together several local authorities and enthusiasts.

Fancy a stroll off the beaten track? Set off to discover these neighborhoods designed as veritable little villages, where architecture and nature harmonize for an experience that’s both unusual and authentic.

Find out more!

Where is it? I want to go!

RER B: Get off at La Courneuve / Aubervilliers station, then take bus 150 towards Gare de Pierrefitte / Stains and stop at Mairie de Stains.
RER D: Get off at Pierrefitte / Stains station, then take bus 150 towards Porte de la Villette and get off at Mairie de Stains.
Line 13: Stop at Basilique de Saint-Denis, then take bus 255 towards Les Prévoyants and get off at François Bègue.
Line 12: From Porte de la Chapelle, take bus 252 towards Les Lochères and get off at François Bègue.
Line 7: From Porte de la Villette, take bus 150 towards Pierrefitte / Stains and stop at Mairie de Stains.

Nearby Because we know you're lazy

National Archives8 minutes by bike

Georges Valbon ParkA 15-minute walk

La Ferme des PossiblesA 15-minute walk

We know you'll love it I promise you won't be disappointed

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