Sainte-Geneviève-Des-Bois: Heritage and Nature

Sainte-Geneviève-Des-Bois offers themes ranging from architectural and commemorative history to nature and leisure. Le Donjon, the Russian Necropolis, churches and La Serre de l’Orangerie offer different historical and architectural points of interest. Parc des bords de l’Orge represents nature as well as opportunities for walking, sports and leisure activities. When planning your stay, you can decide whether historical sites or outdoor activities should take priority.

Historical Sites and Architecture

The tower of Le Donjon has been classified as a Monument historique since 1923. It belongs to a group of buildings dominated by the ruins of a large, round medieval tower. The group once formed the outbuildings of a château that has since disappeared. The monument can therefore be understood both through its medieval form and the former function of the buildings.

The Russian Necropolis comprises the Orthodox Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, its outbuildings and garden, as well as Orthodox graves in the municipal cemetery. The church is a white building with a square plan, a green roof and a blue onion dome. The decision to build it was made in 1937, based on plans by architect Albert Benois. The necropolis includes around 4,000 graves, including those of Prince Youssoupov, Ivan Bunin and Rudolf Nureyev. Thus, alongside the architecture of the Orthodox church, the burial sites are also a focus as part of the necropolis.

The Maison russe was founded in 1927 by Vera Mestchersky at Château de la Cossonnerie for Russian refugees. It is currently a retirement home and cannot be visited; check its current visitor status before your trip.

The Church of Sainte-Geneviève was built in 1876, after a lightning strike severely damaged the previous church in August 1875. The church contains two sculptures of Sainte Geneviève and Sainte Madeleine, which are protected as Monuments historiques. The grotto in its current form dates from the 18th century.

The Columns of Peace monument was inaugurated on 8 May 1995. It consists of fired bricks engraved with the names of local residents. Together, the buildings and monuments offer different perspectives: medieval architecture, the history of religious buildings and public remembrance.

La Serre de l’Orangerie was built in 1979, is inspired by Canadian models and is considered unique in France. Its construction date and inspiration offer a concrete point of entry into the destination’s architectural history. As access arrangements may change, check them before visiting.

Nature and Leisure

Parc des bords de l’Orge is a 26-hectare nature park that opened to the public in 1983. The park offers opportunities for walking, sports and leisure activities. Its focus therefore differs from that of the buildings described above: here, the emphasis is on exercise and spending time outdoors.

The farm and animal park in Parc Pierre opened to the public in 1986. Before your visit, check whether the facilities are currently accessible.

Discover more destinations: Les Ulis, Montgeron, Ormoy, Corbeil-Essonnes, Juvisy-sur-Orge, Morangis, Saint-Chéron, Gif-sur-Yvette

For the regional travel overview: Essonne.