Discover Arcueil’s Architectural History and Culture

Arcueil combines a rich architectural history with a wide-ranging cultural programme. Its historic landmarks span the Gallo-Roman aqueduct and the Église Saint-Denys, while several venues offer exhibitions, lectures, theatre, music, film and literature. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between exploring architectural history and attending a particular type of event.

Architectural history across different eras

The Gallo-Roman aqueduct of Arcueil was rebuilt between 1613 and 1623 during the regency of Marie de Médicis, the mother of Louis XIII. This ten-year period places the construction phase in its historical context. A much earlier building is the Église Saint-Denys, built largely in the first half of the 13th century. The choir is dated to around 1220–1230, and the nave to around 1240–1250. These separate dates help distinguish the building history of the two parts of the church rather than assigning it a single construction year.

The Église Saint-Denys may also have served as a model for the construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The Maison des Gardes is another historic landmark: it is considered the last surviving remnant of the 17th-century rule of the Princes of Lorraine. The aqueduct and the Maison des Gardes thus point to the 17th century, while the church dates back to the 13th century.

Culture, from art and performance to literature

Anis Gras – Le Lieu de l’Autre offers theatre, dance, music, visual arts, painting, photography and cinema. Its programme ranges from performing and musical arts to visual art and film. Its profile remains consistent, while individual events change.

The municipal Julio Gonzalez Gallery has held exhibitions of contemporary art since 1992. Art history lectures take place there throughout the year. Some are linked to the exhibitions and are offered as guided tours. Exhibitions and lectures are therefore among the gallery’s different programme formats.

The Espace Jean Vilar offers film screenings, concerts, festivals and conferences throughout the year, as well as performances in theatre, dance, circus, storytelling and puppetry. Its programme is also seasonal and may change.

The Médiathèque Louis Pergaud regularly hosts public activities such as storytelling sessions, exhibitions, concerts, author meet-and-greets, performances, reading clubs and literary prizes. If you are interested in literature, storytelling sessions, author meet-and-greets and reading clubs are especially relevant options; the specific programme changes.

If an exhibition, lecture or performance is the reason for your stay, check the date of the event you want to attend in advance. This lets you plan your trip around a specific event date.

Getting there from Paris

You can reach Arcueil from Paris on the RER B towards Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse. Laplace or Arcueil-Cachan are possible stops. Check the current timetable before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Alfortville, Fontenay-Sous-Bois, Vitry-Sur-Seine, Villeneuve-Le-Roi, Le Perreux-Sur-Marne, Champigny-Sur-Marne, Ivry-Sur-Seine, L'Haÿ-les-Roses.

For the broader travel guide: Val-De-Marne.