Butte Pinson C Office De Tourisme De Plaine Commune Grand Paris 7Here, history can be read in stone and metal. The Château de Villetaneuse, with its Anglo-Norman allure and refined ornamentation, now houses the Centre d’initiation culturelle et artistique (CICA), proof that the past and contemporary creation go hand in hand. More crude, the legacy of sculptor César still resonates in the town: it was here that he fashioned his famous iron sculptures from industrial scraps. A Venus signed by him stands guard over the town hall.
Architectural experimentation has left its mark on the city, notably with the Cité Renaudie. Designed in 1982 by visionary architect Jean Renaudie, it breaks the mould of traditional building blocks with its star-shaped volumes and verdant terraces. Older but just as singular, the cité-jardin Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, inspired by the British model, bears witness to another era when urban planning was intended to be humane and green.
Perched on the heights of Villetaneuse, Butte Pinson unfurls its 120 hectares between nature and heritage. The Fort de la Redoute, built after the 1870 war to protect Paris, can be visited during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), and hosts summer workcamps and educational beehives.
The green ribbon path crosses the hilltop, offering superb panoramic views over the region, perfect for a nature walk. The landscaped park, with its playgrounds, shaded areas and fruit trees, invites you to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Concerts, festivals, sporting events… The city is on the move, and its agenda is there to prove it. Between its cultural venues, green spaces and local initiatives, there’s always something to discover. Keep your eyes peeled for surprises just around the corner!
