Hugging the bank of the River Seine, Suresnes is a historic commune in the western suburbs of Paris. It encompasses a military cemetery that serves as the final resting place of more than 1,500 American soldiers killed during World War I. Suresnes is renowned for its 19th-century fortress and enjoys elevated views across Paris.
Things to do in Suresnes
Dominating Suresnes is Fort Mont-Valerien, an 1841-built fortress overlooking the Bois de Boulogne. It played an important role in defending Paris during the Franco-Prussian War and served as a Nazi-run prison during World War II. Today, the fort is a memorial commemorating the French Resistance and remembering the lives of those who were executed here.
Overlooking the River Seine is the Parc du Château, which features magnificent oak trees and seasonal floral displays. You can admire the colourful peacocks and pheasants at the aviary or spot ducks in the picturesque pond before letting the kids run loose in the castle-themed children’s playground.
For a dose of local history, visit the Museum of Urban and Social History of Suresnes, which occupies a modern concrete structure beside the town’s historic railway station. Its multimedia exhibits detail the urban planning that took place here during the interwar years and the role of Henri Sellier in the development of Suresnes. The museum also serves as the starting point of a self-guided walking tour that takes in many of Suresnes’ most important architectural landmarks.
Getting around Suresnes
Suresnes is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Paris and 35 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Mont Valerien railway station while both buses and trams travel throughout the commune.