Plizio Visual Lab

Bois-d'Arcy

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°93
Bois-d'Arcy (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Bois-d'Arcy

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Fort de Bois-d'Arcy is a historic landmark; as it houses film archives, check in advance if tours are available.
  • Take advantage of the proximity to the Saint-Cyr forest for long walks or cycling trips.
  • The town is a quiet and budget-friendly alternative to staying in Versailles, which is just a short drive away.
  • Familiarize yourself with the local bus network to easily catch Transilien trains into Paris.
  • The Croix Bonnet district with its canal provides a pleasant atmosphere for an evening stroll.

🍽 Food

🍽
French Bakeries

Start your day with artisanal baguettes and croissants from the bakeries in the town center.

🍽
Brie Cheese

Pick up excellent Brie de Meaux or Melun from local cheese shops for a forest picnic.

🍽
Traditional Brasseries

Enjoy classic French bistro food at the restaurants situated around the main square.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Weekly Market

Check out the weekend open-air market for fresh fruits, vegetables, and local specialties.

🛍
Croix Bonnet Commercial Area

You'll find larger stores and supermarkets here for all your practical travel needs.

🧘
Saint-Cyr Forest

A sprawling forested area that provides peace and relaxation away from the urban bustle.

🧘
Banks of the Croix Bonnet Canal

A nicely landscaped walkway along the water, excellent for a short break.

Bois-d'Arcy is a residential town in the Yvelines department, situated just west of Versailles. Its development is deeply connected to the military history of the Paris region, notably marked by the Fort de Bois-d'Arcy, built in 1874 as part of the fortified ring surrounding the capital. In a fascinating cultural shift, the fort was later repurposed and now serves as the primary storage facility for the Centre National du Cinéma (CNC), housing France's national film archives and preserving thousands of historical cinematic works. Geographically, the town occupies a plateau and is partially bordered by the Saint-Cyr forest, providing residents with easy access to nature and outdoor sports. Over the last century, Bois-d'Arcy has transformed from a rural village into a thriving suburban community, characterized by its modern housing estates and well-maintained public parks. Its economy benefits from its strategic location near major transport links like the N12 highway and its proximity to the commercial hubs of the Versailles Grand Parc area. The town is known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere and its commitment to providing high-quality cultural and educational facilities for its growing population.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3471013171919151274
Rain mm565054416558555842616471

Geography

Population
13,475
Coordinates
48.80140, 2.03170

Facts

  • The Fort de Bois-d'Arcy was constructed between 1874 and 1880.
  • The town is located about 20 kilometers west of Paris city center.
  • The total area of the municipality is 5.48 square kilometers.
  • The film archives in the fort store over 1 million reels of film.
  • The town is directly served by the N12 expressway.
  • Historically, the Eure canal project passed through this area.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bois-d'Arcy (9)

Bois-d'Arcy Battery🛡️ fortress

A former 19th-century military battery that now houses the French National Film Archives, preserving the nation's cinematic history.

Saint-Gilles Church⛪ religious

The town's historic parish church, offering a glimpse into the traditional village life that predates the modern expansion.

Bois-d'Arcy Forest🌿 nature

A large woodland area on the outskirts of the town, providing extensive trails for hiking, cycling, and nature observation.

Parc de la Tremblaye🎡 recreation

A beautiful public park and cultural center set in a former manor house, hosting various arts festivals and community gatherings.

Hôtel de Ville🏙 civic

The modern town hall building which serves as the civic heart of Bois-d'Arcy and coordinates the town's administrative life.

Étang de Saint-Quentin🌿 nature

Étang de Saint-Quentin in Bois D Arcy is a scenic lake where visitors can enjoy nature and relaxing walks.

I-Way👨‍👩‍👧 family

I-Way is an amusement arcade in Bois D Arcy that gives exciting games and entertainment for the whole family.

Square du Petit Prince👨‍👩‍👧 family

Square du Petit Prince is a playground in Bois D Arcy providing a safe and fun environment for children to play.

Toupies Cup👨‍👩‍👧 family

Toupies Cup is a playground in Bois D Arcy providing a safe and fun environment for children to play.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Bois-d'Arcy from Versailles?
The city is located about 10 kilometers west of Versailles and can be reached in 15 minutes.
What is located in the Fort de Bois-d'Arcy?
It houses the film archives of the CNC, one of the world's largest film preservation centers.
What is the best way to get to Paris?
Take the Transilien line N train from Fontenay-le-Fleury / Bois-d'Arcy station directly to Paris-Montparnasse.
Are there any nature areas for hiking?
Yes, the Canal de l'Eure and the surrounding forest trails offer lovely paths for walking.
Where can I go shopping locally?
The E.Leclerc commercial center in the north of the city provides all the necessary supplies.
Bois-d'Arcy: where is it located?
Bois-d'Arcy is located in Île-de-France, France.
Bois-d'Arcy: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bois-d'Arcy Battery, Saint-Gilles Church, Bois-d'Arcy Forest.
Bois-d'Arcy: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bois-d'Arcy: why is it worth visiting?
Bois-d'Arcy is a residential town in the Yvelines department, situated just west of Versailles.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks