Things To Do
in Goussainville
Goussainville is a suburban town in the Val-d'Oise department north of Paris, lying close to Charles de Gaulle airport and surrounded by commuter towns and green belts. The town mixes residential neighborhoods, industrial zones and small historic pockets like the old village with its evocative streets. Many residents commute to Paris or to jobs at the airport, giving the town a practical, working character rather than a tourist-focused one.
Goussainville can be a practical base for exploring northern Île-de-France, with easy rail and road links and access to nearby parks and cultural sites.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful stroll through the picturesque streets of Goussainville, admiring the historic architecture and charming local shops. Stop by the local bakery to enjoy a fresh croissant and coffee as you soak in the morning ambiance. Don't forget to visit the beautiful Church of St. Pierre, a perfect spot for some quiet reflection.
After lunch at a cozy bistro, head over to the Parc de la Mairie for a leisurely walk amidst beautiful gardens. Engage with the locals at the market, where you can sample some regional delicacies and shop for unique artisanal products. As the sun begins to set, take a moment to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of community life.
End your day with dinner at a lovely restaurant, savoring traditional French cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. After your meal, take a short walk to a nearby café to indulge in some dessert while listening to live music performances. Reflect on your day as you enjoy the warm evening air and the twinkling lights of the town.
Begin your morning with a guided walking tour that dives into the rich history and culture of Goussainville. You'll visit iconic landmarks and learn fascinating stories about the town's past while taking in the unique surroundings. Capture memorable photographs of the stunning architecture and picturesque scenery.
In the afternoon, visit a local art gallery or cultural center to experience the vibrant creative scene of Goussainville. Participate in an interactive workshop or enjoy an exhibition showcasing the talents of local artists. This is a great opportunity to connect with the community and appreciate the artistic flair of the town.
After a full day of cultural exploration, dinner awaits at a charming eatery that provides a cozy atmosphere and delightful dishes. Mingle with fellow diners and savor the tastes of classic French meals as you share your day's adventures. As night falls, consider attending a local theater performance for a dose of culture and entertainment.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🚌Public transport single ticket | $2-3 |
| 🚕Taxi start / per km | $5 start / $1.50–2.50 per km |
| 🏠Monthly rent (1 BR outside center) | $800-1,000 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Charles de Gaulle airport and good regional transport links to Paris
- Affordable, practical base for exploring northern Île-de-France and nearby parks
- Diverse food scene with multicultural eateries and local markets
- Access to green spaces and quiet suburban life
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few major attractions within town limits
- Some areas near transport hubs can feel industrial or noisy due to airport proximity
- Nightlife and cultural venues are limited compared with central Paris
- Rush-hour traffic can be heavy for car travel into Paris
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Goussainville
Visit one of these nice places.
The historic heart with older façades and narrow streets—photogenic for architectural details and evocative scenes of suburban history.
Close proximity to the airport creates dramatic opportunities to photograph aircraft on approach and departure—check safety and access rules before visiting viewing points.
Wide-open green spaces, ponds and woodlands that offer landscape and wildlife photography, especially in spring and autumn.
Lively market stalls, local cafés and street scenes provide candid urban photography subjects and snapshots of daily life.
Food in Goussainville
Goussainville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh baguette, croissants and pain au chocolat from a local boulangerie — available every morning and a French staple for breakfast or picnic supplies.
Must-Try!
Classic French bistro dishes commonly available at local brasseries—comforting, hearty and a good introduction to regional French cooking.
Due to the diverse population, you'll find excellent couscous and tagines at family-run restaurants and takeaways in and around the town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local weekly market selling fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread and prepared foods—great for sampling local produce and meeting residents.
Small takeaway spots and kebab shops close to transport hubs offer quick, affordable meals popular with commuters and students.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always say 'Bonjour' when entering shops or speaking to locals; a polite hello sets a friendly tone. Use 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' in formal situations.
French social norms value politeness and privacy—avoid loud phone conversations in confined public spaces and respect queues.
Waitstaff generally expect moderate formality: table manners are similar to elsewhere in France and it’s polite to say 'Merci' and 'Au revoir' when leaving.
Safety
Tipping in Goussainville
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills (service compris), but it’s customary to leave small change or round up for good service. In cafés and for taxi drivers, rounding up or leaving a euro or two is common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, contactless payments are common, and ATMs are readily available. Cash is still useful for small markets and some small food stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming parks and ideal conditions for walking and cycling. Expect variable weather—bring a light waterproof jacket for occasional showers.
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; parks and outdoor cafés are pleasant. Heatwaves can happen—carry water and plan activities for mornings or evenings.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in nearby parks. Cooler, wetter weather becomes more frequent; layers and a light coat are recommended.
Cold and occasionally frosty with short days; snow is possible but not abundant. Dress warmly and be prepared for occasional disruption to local transport during severe weather.
Goussainville at Night
Hiking in Goussainville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Woodland paths, ponds and meadows suitable for easy hikes, birdwatching and family outings—close by and well-maintained.
Regional park with varied landscapes, historic villages and longer walking routes ideal for day hikes and nature exploration.
Larger forested areas within easy driving distance offering marked trails, shaded routes and historical scenery around châteaux and estates.
Airports
How to reach Goussainville by plane.
Main international airport very close to Goussainville—fast road and local train links; convenient for international arrivals and departures.
Second major Paris airport located to the south of Paris; reachable by public transport or road in under an hour depending on traffic.
Used by some low-cost carriers; further away to the north and typically requires a longer transfer by bus or car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to Paris or to jobs at Charles de Gaulle airport and nearby business parks.
Goussainville has many family-oriented neighborhoods with schools, parks and community services.
A multicultural population including people with roots in North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of Europe contributes to the town’s cultural and culinary variety.
Proximity to transport links and relative affordability attract younger adults, trainees and students who work or study in Paris.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular local sport with amateur teams, youth clubs and community pitches across the town.
Indoor sports are well represented in local clubs and school programs, popular among youth.
Many residents use parks and green corridors for jogging and cycling; local clubs organize group activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Goussainville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common—bakeries, salads, cheese plates and vegetable tarts are widely available, and many cafés will accommodate vegetable-based dishes if asked.
Vegan-specific choices are more limited than in Paris; look for vegetable-based mains, salads, and vegan-friendly bakeries or health-food stores in nearby larger towns.
Halal restaurants and halal-certified meat shops are available thanks to a diverse local community. Gluten-free options are available but less ubiquitous; larger supermarkets in the area carry gluten‑free staples.