Named “Red Mountain” after the colour of its earth, Montrouge is a densely populated commune in the southern suburbs of Paris. It was home to a scattering of monasteries during the Middle Ages before becoming a royal hunting ground in the 16th century. In 1860, part of Montrouge was annexed by the city of Paris and became what is now the neighbouring district of Petit-Montrouge.
Things to do in Montrouge
One of the commune’s most beautiful buildings is the Beffroi de Montrouge, a 1930s gem designed by Henri Decaux. Named after its high bell tower, this Art Deco landmark features performance halls, meeting rooms and exhibition spaces that provide a setting for conferences, seminars and product launches.
Nearby is the Eglise Catholique Saint-Jacques a Montrouge, a striking church built in the 1930s that is listed as a Monument Historique. Gaze up at its reinforced concrete portico designed by Eric Bagge before stepping inside to admire the gilded furnishings and frescoes depicting the life of Saint Jacques.
Montrouge lies on the edge of the Square du Serment-de-Koufra, a picturesque green space with a children’s playground, leafy walking trails and a winter ice skating rink. Throughout the year, you can enjoy a swim at the indoor pool of the Piscine Therese et Jeanne Brule or grab a drink at La Guinguette de La Ressourcerie Creative. On the edge of the park is the Montrouge Cemetery where some of the area’s most prominent residents are laid to rest.
Getting around Montrouge
Montrouge is around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Paris and 35 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Subway services connect to the Mairie de Montrouge, Barbara and Châtillon–Montrouge stations while buses travel throughout the commune.