Things To Do
in Clichy
Clichy (officially Clichy-la-Garenne) is a compact, historic suburb on the northwestern edge of Paris with a mix of traditional town-center life and modern developments. It sits along the Seine and offers easy access to central Paris by metro, tram and suburban rail, making it popular with commuters and visitors. The town blends classic French boulangeries, local markets and green pockets with contemporary office blocks and cultural projects near Porte de Clichy.
Expect a lived-in, residential atmosphere with a few attractive parks and riverside walks rather than tourist crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Clichy, soaking in the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings. Stop by the local boulangerie for a fresh croissant and a café au lait to fuel your exploration. Visit the stunning Église Saint-Médard, a marvel of Gothic architecture, and admire its intricate stained glass windows.
After lunch at a nearby bistro, immerse yourself in the local culture at the Clichy Market, where you can sample delicious regional specialties and shop for unique souvenirs. Spend some time in Parc des Impressionnistes, where you can relax by the river and enjoy the greenery. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Musée de l'Histoire de Clichy to learn about the town's rich history.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can savor traditional French cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the Seine River, enjoying the picturesque views of Clichy's skyline. End your day with a nightcap at a local bar, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the town.
Start your morning with a visit to the nearby La Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, one of the largest science museums in Europe, where you can engage with interactive exhibits. Grab a quick breakfast at a café nearby before diving into the fascinating world of science and technology. Spend time exploring the outdoor park surrounding the museum, which features impressive modern sculptures.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at a trendy restaurant in the nearby La Villette area, known for its artistic vibe and diverse food options. Afterward, visit the Parc de La Villette, where you can explore the open-air cinema, music venues, and the stunning gardens. Wrap up your afternoon by visiting the Philharmonie de Paris, where you can admire the unique architecture and possibly catch a concert.
Return to Clichy for dinner at a restaurant known for its artistic decor and lively ambiance. After dinner, enjoy a cultural performance at a local theater showcasing French plays or live music. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the illuminated streets of Clichy, appreciating the blend of history and modernity.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🎫Single metro/tram ticket | $2-3 |
| 🚕Taxi start + short ride | $6-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to central Paris via public transport
- Laid-back, local atmosphere with authentic neighborhood life
- Riverside walks and nearby parks for outdoor activities
- More affordable dining and accommodation than central Paris
- Not a major tourist hub — fewer attractions inside town itself
- Typical suburban congestion during commute hours
- Nightlife options are limited compared with central Paris
- Some areas can feel a bit utilitarian or modern compared to historic Parisian charm
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci (beaucoup)" - Thank you (very much)
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare / le métro ?" - Where is the train station / metro?
Places to Visit in Clichy
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside paths offer reflections, bridges and urban riverside life — good for golden-hour shots and long exposures of moving water.
Contemporary buildings, glass façades and contrasting older streets make for dynamic urban compositions, especially around the newly developed business areas.
A classic civic building and surrounding streets capture everyday suburban Parisian life, suited for street photography.
Colorful stalls, produce, and pastry displays provide rich detail shots and candid portraits of vendors and shoppers.
Neighborhood parks offer seasonal color and quieter scenes for portrait and nature photography without leaving town.
From certain elevated points or along the river you can frame parts of the Paris skyline, offering a suburban-to-urban contrast at dusk.
Food in Clichy
Clichy Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic French viennoiserie found at neighborhood boulangeries; grab one fresh in the morning. Look for bakeries with an early morning line — a good sign.
Must-Try!
Common in local cafés and bakeries; a hearty, inexpensive lunch option often paired with a salad.
Found at local brasseries — simple, satisfying, and a good way to sample classic French brasserie cuisine.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Clichy hosts open-air markets on certain days where you can buy produce, cheeses, bread and prepared foods; great for picnic supplies and tasting local specialties. Markets are prime spots for interacting with locals and sampling seasonal items.
Along the Seine and near transport hubs you’ll find casual kiosks and take-away options — sandwiches, crêpes and coffee are easy to grab for a walk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always start interactions with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) and use polite forms like 'Monsieur/Madame'. A friendly greeting goes a long way in shops and cafés.
The French value politeness and a degree of formality — use 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci', and avoid being overly familiar with strangers.
In residential areas, keep noise reasonable, especially at night; neighbors expect consideration in apartment buildings.
Table manners are important: keep hands visible, use utensils for most foods, and avoid loud phone calls in restaurants.
Safety
Tipping in Clichy
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills in France (‘service compris’), but leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated for good service. For cafés and casual meals, leaving €1–€2 is common; for taxis, rounding up the fare is customary.
Credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted, though small vendors and some markets may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common; keep some euros cash for small purchases and market stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Blossoms and pleasant temperatures make spring a lovely time to explore markets and parks; expect occasional showers so bring a light rain jacket. Outdoor cafés reopen and the city begins to feel lively after winter.
Warm, sometimes hot days with long daylight hours — ideal for riverside walks and park picnics. Expect more visitors in Paris overall and occasional heat waves; stay hydrated and seek shade during midday.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in local parks; great for photography and comfortable walks. Rain increases later in the season, so layer up and carry an umbrella.
Cold and damp with short daylight hours; occasional frosts but heavy snow is rare. Many cafés are cozy and festive around the holidays; dress warmly and be prepared for indoor-focused activities.
Clichy at Night
Hiking in Clichy
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Large landscaped park west of Clichy with formal terraces, wooded areas and walking trails — excellent for panoramic views and moderate walks.
A sizeable forested area with marked trails for hiking and mountain biking, offering quieter nature escapes within a short drive or transit ride.
A regional natural park an hour or so away with rolling hills, historic villages and a network of hiking trails for half-day or full-day excursions.
Formal gardens, tree-lined paths and gentle trails ideal for strolls, cherry blossoms in spring and peaceful weekend walks.
Airports
How to reach Clichy by plane.
Main international airport serving Paris (35–45 minutes by car/train depending on traffic). Accessible by RER B to central Paris then connections, or by regional train and shuttle services.
Secondary international airport south of Paris (30–50 minutes by car), reachable via Orlyval + RER or direct bus links and taxis.
Le Bourget is primarily for business and general aviation; Beauvais is used by some low-cost carriers (further away — plan for a longer bus or car transfer).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents work in Paris or nearby business districts, favoring quick transit links and practical housing.
Clichy is home to families attracted by schools, parks and relatively affordable housing compared with central Paris.
A mix of North African, sub-Saharan African, Maghrebi and other immigrant communities contributes to diverse culinary and cultural offerings.
Proximity to universities and affordable transport draws younger residents and renters.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport; local clubs and youth teams are common and many residents follow French Ligue 1 and international competitions.
Cycling for commuting and leisure is widespread, aided by bike lanes, riverside paths and rentable Vélib' bikes in the Paris region.
Rugby and handball are also popular at amateur and school levels in the suburbs, with local clubs and community teams.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Clichy.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available at cafés, bakeries and many modern bistros; ask for 'sans viande' or check chalkboard menus. Larger grocery stores and some markets carry vegetarian-friendly prepared dishes and cheeses.
Vegan choices are more limited but growing; look for salads, vegetable tarts (check for butter), falafel shops and a few cafés advertising plant-based options. Bring snacks if you rely on vegan-only meals.
Gluten-free products are sold in supermarkets and some bakeries offer special breads or pastries; at restaurants, communicate 'Je suis intolérant(e) au gluten' to ensure cross-contamination precautions.
Given the multicultural community, halal restaurants and butcher shops are commonly available — particularly for North African and Middle Eastern cuisine.