Fontenay-sous-Bois is a suburb of
Paris. It is only 9.3Km from the centre of
Paris.
The history of the early settlement at this place can be evidenced in the Medieval Latin recording of its’ name as Fontanetum. Until the late 19th century when
Fontenay-sous-Bois became the only official name for this commune, it had been known alternatively as Fontenay-les-Bois, or Fontenay-sur-Bois.
The wood referenced in the name is the Bois de Vincennes. The sloping southern edge of Fontenay borders the Bois de Vincennes for almost 2km. This area is calm and peaceful and is a pleasant residential area comprising mainly large houses for the middle classes.
Known as Fontenay Village, the oldest part of the Town is the historic centre. The church Saint-Germain, is a classified historic monument and the rue Mauconseil is one of it’s oldest commercial streets. During the second half of the 19th century, with the development of the railway, many manufacturers settled in the district around Rigollots and this area is characterized by the sense of industrialisation, narrow streets and small brick houses built for factory workers.
Local inhabitants are proud of the Rosettes fountain. It was lost during World War II and it was only by chance that it was found in a market in the south of France and returned to the town.
Fontenay-sous-Bois is a pleasant suburb of
Paris, retaining in parts a village atmosphere. It is however a modern town with modern housing, shops and all the facilities you would expect. It is well placed for visitors to
Paris with excellent transport links including a direct train into the centre of
Paris. It is also close to the Disney Theme park. It has good hotels and welcomes visitors wishing to visit
Paris but stay outside of the city centre.
