Is it just a road? No. Avenue de Valenton whispers tales of a commune evolving through centuries.
Let’s walk along this avenue. We will uncover the story of Valenton. This town started as a small rural community in the 6th century. It depended on the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Imagine Valenton back then. Farmers cultivated vines. By 1726, only 250 people lived here. Life revolved around the land.
Centuries passed. Valenton slowly grew. By the early 20th century, about 1,000 people called it home. Livestock farming and market gardening became important. Residents sold their produce at local fairs.
The town expanded in 1936. Two new residential areas appeared Les Vignes and Val Pompadour. Still, only 2,448 people lived here.
World War II changed Valenton forever. Allied forces heavily bombarded the town. They aimed to destroy the Villeneuve-Saint-Georges marshalling yard. This strategic point was near the Val Pompadour area. The bombings caused many civilian casualties.
After the war, Valenton experienced significant growth. The population reached 7,713 by 1962. By 1968, it swelled to 10,539. As of 2019, 14,883 people resided in Valenton.
Valenton has a history of political significance. The French Communist Party ruled it for a long time. This lasted from 1920. The only break was during the Vichy government from 1941 to 1944. Valenton was also one of the first French towns to have a female mayor. Fernande Flagon was elected in 1947.
Today, Valenton focuses on environmental improvement. It has numerous green spaces. La Plage Bleue is the most important park. It began as agricultural land. Later, it became a site for sand and gravel extraction. This created several ponds. People swam here in the 1960s calling it “blue beach”.
The town closed the area in 1979 due to health concerns. In 1987, the local government created a 40-hectare park. The project won awards for its environmental focus.
Valenton hosts Carnavalenton. This annual festival takes place in late June. It features concerts, exhibitions and activities. Charities participate in the event. It occurs in the Parc de la Libération.
Valenton continues to evolve. It balances urban development with green spaces. The town strives to preserve its history. It also embraces a sustainable future. As you stroll along Avenue de Valenton, remember the layers of history beneath your feet.