Hauts-de-Seine Holiday Guide
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Hauts-de-Seine - a great centre for culture
The Hauts-de-Seine is a bona fide department, although as it takes in the western outskirts of Paris it seems more like another part of the great capital in many ways. It is, however, a great centre for culture, possessing the La Défense complex of theatres, museums and shopping centres, and as such is a perfect place to take a cultural break.
Top 5 things to see and do in Hauts-de-Seine
1. Theatre and opera
If your idea of a heavenly break is one that includes special evenings at the theatre or the opera, then the Hauts-de-Seine is your perfect destination. The La Défense area is a state of the art business park, but also rich in cultural venues and events.
2. Shop
The La Défense shopping centre will keep even the most determined shoppers happy for days. The atmosphere is chic and Parisian and the modern architecture around is stunning.
3. Malmaison Castle
The Malmaison Castle was once the home of Napoleon and Josephine, and a visit to this fabulous chateau with its extensive gardens and excellent museum will bring history vividly to life.
4. Saint Cloud Park
Saint Cloud Park offers a romantic escape from the urban surroundings of Paris and La Défense, with 460 hectares of glorious landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and formal gardens to enjoy. There are also some amazing views of Paris to be discovered.
5. Enjoy museums
The Hauts-de-Seine offers some of the best museums in the country. Themes range from the lives of Napoleon and Josephine to ceramics to the works of Rodin, and even Renault cars, so whatever your interest there is something here to fascinate and educate.
Top 5 towns and cities in the Hauts-de-Seine
1. Nanterre
The capital city of the Hauts-de-Seine is Nanterre. A stay in the city offers myriad attractions, not least among which is the modern tower complex of La Défense, great for shopping and culture as well as its architecture that includes many of the tallest buildings of Paris.
2. Châtenay Malabry
In and around Châtenay Malabry it is hard to believe that you are within seven miles of Paris. This is an essentially green area, with forests and natural spaces everywhere. Châtenay Malabry was the home of the writer Chateaubriand, and it's possible to visit the estate where he lived. The Arboretum de la Vallée-aux-Loups which is also found here is a thirteen-hectare park planted with more than 165 different species of trees, and over 2,500 plants.
3. Rueil-Malmaison
The main tourist focus of this town is, of course, the Malmaison Castle, the home of Napoleon and his wife Josephine, but a stay or visit here offers plenty of other attractions. In spite of the fact that a modern town has grown up around the old centre, it is still possible to enjoy an authentic village ambience in the historic parts of town, with monuments and original architecture to discover. Take a walk along the banks of the River Seine to see for yourself the views that inspired many of France's greatest artists.
4. Bois Colombes
This is the place to be if you love browsing the stalls of traditional markets, finding a little piece of France to take home to remind you of your holiday. Many different markets take place here, among which are the famous spring flower markets and the atmospheric Christmas markets. The town has a lovely arty feel to it at any time of year, and is home to an eclectic community of artists and musicians.
5. Sceaux
The town of Sceaux has bags of charm, with a shopping area just made for enjoyable Christmas shopping. Chocolatiers, antique bookshops, patisseries and many more can be found in the attractive pedestrianised centre of Sceaux. You can also visit the Chateau Museum, in the grand residence that was once the home of Louis XIV's son.
Food and drink in Hauts-de-Seine
The gastronomy of the Hauts-de-Seine is an extension of Paris. Everything exists here from fast food to fine dining, and any foodie will find themselves blissfully happy with the choice on offer! Typical Parisian favourites include the Croque Monsieur sandwich, a classic combination of creamy fondant cheese and ham, fabulous pastries, Paris mushrooms and a fine selection of wines.
How to get to the Hauts-de-Seine
The Hauts-de-Seine is easily accessible from the UK in a number of ways. There are flights from many British airports to Paris or you can take the Eurostar train service.
