Fontenay-aux-Roses City Festival
At the end of May Fontenay-aux-Roses holds its great popular festival on the Place du Général de Gaulle with a parade, shows and activities, recalling the town's rose-growing tradition.
Plizio Visual Lab
Fontenay-aux-Roses
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Fontenay-aux-Roses
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit in late spring to see the city in full bloom, honoring its rose cultivation heritage.
- The Coulée Verte, a pedestrian and cycling path, is the most pleasant way to travel into Paris from here.
- Look for the historical markers on buildings associated with famous writers like Paul Léautaud.
- Parking is limited in the pleasant historic center; use the RER B train instead.
🍽 Food
🍽
Rose-flavored pastries
Seek out specialty desserts at local patisseries honoring the town's history.
🍽
Classic French Crêpes
Grab a quick and delicious bite at a crêperie near the town square.
🍽
Charcuterie and cheese boards
Enjoy them with a glass of wine at a neighborhood wine bar.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Local flower shops
Pick up a bouquet of roses, the symbol of the city.
🛍
Rue Boucicaut
The main commercial street with a variety of independent boutiques and food artisans.
🧘
Coulée Verte
A peaceful, shaded greenway traversing the town, well-suited for a relaxing walk.
🧘
Parc Sainte-Barbe
A beautifully landscaped park good for escaping the urban bustle.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Located just a few kilometers south of the Parisian border in the Hauts-de-Seine department, Fontenay-aux-Roses is a characterful suburb deeply influenced by its horticultural past. As the name suggests, the town was historically renowned for cultivating roses, supplying the markets of the French capital starting in the 17th century. While the large commercial nurseries have faded into history, this floral heritage is still evident in the well-tended public parks, blooming private gardens, and pleasant, tree-lined streets. A major highlight for walkers and cyclists is the Coulée Verte du Sud Parisien, an extensive greenway built over an abandoned railway line that cuts right through the town, connecting Paris down to Massy. In the historic heart of the town, near the Place du Général de Gaulle, visitors can find the old town hall surrounded by traditional boulangeries, great for picking up a fresh morning croissant. The tranquil environment here historically attracted artists and writers, including the eccentric author Paul Léautaud. Today, Fontenay-aux-Roses provides a peaceful, leafy escape from the frenetic pace of Paris, retaining a distinctive village atmosphere while remaining seamlessly connected to the metropolitan area.
- Location: Île-de-France, France
- Top sights: Parc Sainte-Barbe · Église Saint-Stanislas · La Coulée Verte
- Nearby: Antony (4 km)
- Population: ~25.531
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 50 | 52 | 39 | 64 | 60 | 55 | 59 | 42 | 57 | 61 | 69 |
Geography
Facts
- Name origin: Springs and rose cultivation
- Key institution: CEA (Nuclear Research Center)
- Total land area: 2.51 square kilometers
- Coulée verte: Greenbelt bike path on an old railway line
- First French nuclear reactor: Zoé (built here in 1948)
- Famous school: Former ENS (founded in 1880)
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 Fontenay-aux-Roses (6)
Frequently asked questions
Where did the city get its name?
The name comes from numerous springs (fontaines) and historical rose cultivation that once supplied the royal court.
What is the 'Coulée Verte'?
It is a linear park on a former railway track, connecting Fontenay-aux-Roses to Paris for cyclists and pedestrians.
Did Voltaire really live here?
Yes, the famous philosopher spent time in Fontenay-aux-Roses; a street and monuments commemorate his stay.
When does the rose festival take place?
The 'Fête des Roses' is traditionally celebrated in June, when the city is decorated with flowers and parades are held.
How do you reach the town from Paris?
The easiest way is via RER line B, which stops right in the town center and takes about 15-20 minutes from central Paris.
Fontenay-aux-Roses: where is it located?
Fontenay-aux-Roses is located in Île-de-France, France.
Fontenay-aux-Roses: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parc Sainte-Barbe, Église Saint-Stanislas, La Coulée Verte.
Fontenay-aux-Roses: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Fontenay-aux-Roses: why is it worth visiting?
Located just a few kilometers south of the Parisian border in the Hauts-de-Seine department, Fontenay-aux-Roses is a characterful suburb deeply influenced by its horticultural past.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most fascinating metropolises in the world.
Vaugirard
Once an independent commune, now the core of the 15th arrondissement of Paris, known for its history and the Parc Georges-Brassens.
Grenelle
A historic neighborhood in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, known for its modern waterfront and industrial past.
Charonne
A former village that today, as a charming neighborhood in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, has preserved its village character.
Belleville
A vibrant and hilly district in eastern Paris, known for its bohemian atmosphere, street art, and multicultural diversity.
La Villette
A former industrial district in Paris, now a major cultural hub featuring a massive urban park.
Paris-Sud
Paris-Sud offers vibrant quarters and access to important urban parks and facilities.
Auteuil
An affluent neighborhood in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, famous for its exclusive architecture and parks.
Saint-Denis
Saint-Denis lies north of Paris and is known for the basilica of the kings of France and the major stadium district.
Asnières-sur-Seine
Asnières-sur-Seine is an elegant city northwest of Paris, famous for its château, impressionist connections, and the world's oldest pet c…
Nanterre
Nanterre is the capital of the Hauts-de-Seine department and a major economic and educational hub located west of Paris.
Courbevoie
A dynamic city on the banks of the Seine, hosting a significant portion of the modern La Défense business district.
Créteil
Créteil is the capital of the Val-de-Marne department, known for its innovative modern architecture and large artificial lake.
Paris-Nord
Paris-Nord offers vibrant city quarters and important transport hubs for the French capital.
Colombes
Colombes is a historic suburb northwest of Paris, famous for its Olympic heritage and its blend of industrial history and residential charm.
