Do you know that La Garenne-Colombes started as a game preserve? Imagine this peaceful town was once a hunting ground. Today La Garenne-Colombes offers a blend of history and modern life. It is located in the Hauts-de-Seine department of France. La Garenne-Colombes exudes tranquility. It attracts visitors seeking a peaceful experience near Paris.
Let’s journey back to the origins of La Garenne-Colombes. In the past this area belonged to the abbey of Saint-Denis. The abbey exercised its feudal rights here. In 1686 Madame de Maintenon influenced Louis XIV. After Cardinal de Retz died the abbots of Saint-Denis lost their lands. They had to cede the La Garenne estate. They also had to cede their country house. The house was used for hunting trips. The Ladies of Saint-Cyr then took over the institution. They enjoyed all the lands and manors.
Less than fifteen years later the Ladies of Saint-Cyr exchanged lands. They exchanged them with Jean Thévenin Marquis de Tanlay. However they continued to rule the area. They imposed their absolute power on the country folk. The ownership of La Garenne changed hands many times in the 18th century. Owners included Mlle Pélissier an opera star. Also owners were the Marquis de Baudeville and the Duke de La Vrillière.
After August 4 1789 the Ladies of Saint-Cyr could not continue their institution. They lost tithes and feudal rights. The estate became national property. In November 1791 the Marquis de Tanlay won the auction for it. During the Terror he and his wife were imprisoned. They were released in 1794. Soon after the owners of La Garenne died. Jean Nicolas Corvisart des Marets Napoleon’s first physician inherited the estate.
In 1832 Pierre-Urbain Sartoris a banker in London acquired La Garenne. After his death his children inherited the property. In 1865 the descendants decided to divide the estate. They wanted to create a village. They sold plots at auction. The first buyers formed a civil company. Auguste-Émile Dutreilh created the new village plan in 1865.
Urbanization transformed La Garenne. Roads and squares were laid out. On December 31 1886 architects Jean-Baptiste Lafolie and Guerton submitted plans. These plans were for the new communal property. It was given to the mayor of Colombes.
Separatist claims grew stronger. On May 2 1910 a separation decree created an independent commune. This new commune was La Garenne-Colombes. Jean Bonal was elected mayor on June 5 1910.
Today La Garenne-Colombes is known for its blend of historic appeal and modern amenities. You can visit the weekly market. Sample fresh regional produce. Talk to local vendors. Consider staying in a boutique hotel in the town center. La Garenne-Colombes offers a serene escape with easy access to Paris. It perfectly balances tradition and modernity. You will find architecture from different eras. La Garenne-Colombes has a high quality of life. It is a charming French urban gem.