Things To Do
in Bois-Colombes

Bois-Colombes is a charming suburb located just northwest of Paris, known for its peaceful residential atmosphere and rich history. This area is characterized by its beautiful architecture, with a mix of traditional French homes and modern buildings. The town offers a variety of parks and green spaces, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Its proximity to the capital allows residents and visitors to enjoy the bustling city life while returning to a quieter environment at the end of the day.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Bois-Colombes
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Parc des Bruyeres for a morning walk and enjoy the lush greenery. Grab a coffee and a pastry at a local boulangerie.

afternoon
:

Explore the local boutiques and shops along Rue Charles de Gaulle, followed by lunch at a nearby café. Visit the historic Church of Saint-Pierre.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional French restaurant, followed by a stroll through the town square to experience the local ambiance.

day 2
Day 2: Day Trip to Paris
morning
:

Take a short train ride into Paris and start your day with breakfast at a classic Parisian café. Visit the Louvre Museum to admire its collection.

afternoon
:

Wander through the Tuileries Garden and enjoy a picnic lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets of Montmartre.

evening
:

Return to Bois-Colombes for dinner at a local bistro, then enjoy a relaxing evening at Parc des Bruyeres.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
Coffee$3
🥖Baguette$1
🍽️Meal at a Restaurant$15
🍷Glass of Wine$5
🚆Train Ticket to Paris$3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Paris for easy access to major attractions.
  • A peaceful and family-friendly environment.
  • Rich in history and charming architecture.
  • Limited nightlife compared to central Paris.
  • May feel less vibrant for those seeking a bustling atmosphere.
  • Public transport may require transfers to reach certain destinations.
  • "Bonjour" - Hello
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
  • "Où est le toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Bois-Colombes

Visit one of these nice places.

Parc des Bruyeres

A beautifully landscaped park with vibrant flowers and serene walking paths, perfect for capturing nature shots.

Church of Saint-Pierre

A stunning architectural landmark that showcases Gothic and Romanesque styles, ideal for historical photography.

Rue Charles de Gaulle

The main street lined with quaint shops and cafes, providing a quintessential French street photography experience.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bois-Colombes

Bois-Colombes offers a delightful culinary experience with a mix of traditional French cuisine and modern influences. Visitors can indulge in local specialties and enjoy the vibrant café culture.

Bois-Colombes Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Coq au Vin

A classic French dish made with chicken braised slowly in red wine, mushrooms, and lardons.

Must-Try!

Ratatouille

A vegetable stew made from zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes, seasoned with herbs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de Bois-Colombes

A local market held weekly, offering fresh produce, cheese, and artisanal products.

Crepe Stands

Street vendors selling delicious sweet and savory crepes, a must-try while exploring the town.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bois-Colombes experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) in January to 25°C (77°F) in July. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with slightly wetter months in autumn. The location enjoys about 1,700 hours of sunshine annually, making spring and summer the best seasons for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' (Good morning) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) when entering shops.

Dining Etiquette

Keep hands on the table (but not elbows) during meals, and say 'Bon appétit' before starting to eat.

Politeness

Using polite language and saying 'Merci' (Thank you) is important in French culture.

Safety Guide

Safety

Bois-Colombes is generally a safe suburb, with low crime rates compared to urban areas. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112.

Tipping in Bois-Colombes

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not mandatory in France, but leaving a small amount (5-10%) for good service is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it ideal for outdoor activities and park visits.

Summer

Warm and sunny weather; enjoy outdoor dining and festivals, but be prepared for occasional heatwaves.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures with beautiful fall foliage; perfect for leisurely walks and photography.

Winter

Cold weather with potential snowfall; enjoy cozy indoor activities and holiday markets.

Nightlife Guide

Bois-Colombes at Night

Bois-Colombes has a relaxed nightlife scene, primarily focused on cozy bars and bistros. While it may not offer the vibrant party atmosphere of Paris, you can find a selection of local establishments where you can enjoy a quiet drink or a meal with friends. Some bars host live music events or trivia nights, making for a fun evening out in a laid-back environment.

Hiking in Bois-Colombes

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Parc de la Courneuve

A large park with walking trails and natural scenery, perfect for a day of hiking and exploration.

Bois de Vincennes

One of the largest parks in Paris, offering numerous trails, lakes, and picnic areas, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

Airports

How to reach Bois-Colombes by plane.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Located approximately 30 km from Bois-Colombes, CDG is the main international airport serving Paris, with numerous global connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Bois-Colombes is highly walkable, with pedestrian-friendly streets and plenty of sidewalks. Many local amenities, such as shops, cafes, and parks, are within walking distance, making it easy to explore the town on foot. The proximity to public transport also facilitates access to nearby areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Bois-Colombes is home to many families, attracted by its residential charm and access to schools and parks.

Young Professionals

The suburb also attracts young professionals who commute to Paris for work, enjoying a quieter lifestyle.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Football is widely popular in France, with local clubs and leagues drawing significant community support.

Tennis

Tennis is also a favorite sport, with many facilities and clubs available for both amateurs and professionals.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Bois-Colombes is moderate, with the main roads connecting to Paris experiencing rush hour congestion. Public transportation options include trains and buses, which are efficient and well-connected to the surrounding areas. A well-developed network of bicycle paths encourages cycling as an alternative mode of transport.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bois-Colombes.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to check the menu or ask the staff.

Gluten-Free Choices

Gluten-free options are becoming more common, especially in larger establishments; however, confirmation is recommended.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Bois-Colombes is accessible, with several local clinics and general practitioners available. For more serious medical needs, larger hospitals in neighboring communes can be reached quickly. The French healthcare system is known for its quality, and emergency services can be accessed easily.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide