Things To Do
in Gennevilliers
Gennevilliers is a northern inner-suburb of Paris situated on the banks of the Seine, just a short ride from the city center. It blends a strong industrial heritage with residential neighborhoods, riverfront views, and diverse dining options. The town serves as a practical base for exploring Paris and the northwest suburbs, with easy access to La Défense and nearby markets in Saint-Ouen.
Expect a multicultural vibe, evolving urban spaces, and a mix of working-class charm and modern developments along the river.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Gennevilliers and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the charming streets to get a feel for the area. Enjoy a fresh pastry at a local boulangerie to kickstart your day.
Visit the nearby Parc des Chanterelles for a scenic walk. The park offers beautiful greenery, perfect for a picnic lunch. Don't forget to take in the views of the Seine while exploring the park's many trails.
Dine at a cozy restaurant focusing on traditional French cuisine. Experience the warm ambiance and sample local specialties. After dinner, take an evening walk by the Seine to appreciate the beauty of the city at night.
Take a short metro ride into Paris and start your day at the iconic Louvre Museum. Marvel at famous artworks like the Mona Lisa and explore the museum's stunning architecture. Grab a coffee at a nearby café before heading out.
Stroll through the Tuileries Garden, a perfect spot for relaxation and people-watching. Afterward, visit the charming neighborhood of Le Marais for boutique shopping and local art galleries. Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at a bistro famous for its falafel.
Experience the lively atmosphere at the Place de la Bastille. Choose a vibrant restaurant for dinner and savor the flavors of global cuisine. End the night with a show at a nearby theater or simply enjoy the nightlife around the square.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in café | $2-4 |
| 🧀Grocery staples (weekly) | $40-70 |
| 🚇1-month public transit pass | $60-90 |
| 🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,300-1,800/mo |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Paris with easy access to major sights
- Riverfront scenery and a sense of local suburb culture
- Good value for money compared with central Paris
- Diverse dining options and multicultural influences
- Limited nightlife within Gennevilliers itself
- Some areas are primarily residential with fewer attractions locally
- Public transport to central Paris can be slower during peak hours
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où sont les toilettes ?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
- "Pouvez-vous recommander un restaurant ?" - Can you recommend a restaurant?
Places to Visit in Gennevilliers
Visit one of these nice places.
Industrial waterfront with ships, cranes, and reflective water, ideal for moody river photos, especially at golden hour.
Open promenade with river views, boats, and light reflections—great for wide-angle shots.
Raised paths along the river offer elevated views of the water and skyline.
Bridges and the La Défense skyline provide dramatic silhouettes at sunset.
Food in Gennevilliers
Gennevilliers Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic French dish of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, onions, and herbs; widely available in local bistros.
Must-Try!
Creamy potato gratin from regional cuisine; a comforting side dish often found in French homes and restaurants.
Beef stew braised in red wine with carrots, onions, and herbs; a staple at traditional brasseries.
A multicultural option reflecting local North African influences; often served with lamb, vegetables, and chickpeas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheese, bread, and prepared foods; best early in the morning.
Famed flea market district with food stalls and inexpensive street eats; easy day trip from Gennevilliers.
Casual stalls along the Seine banks near the port area offering crepes, sandwiches, and pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In most situations say bonjour or bonsoir; greet with a handshake in formal contexts.
Use polite forms, say s'il vous plaît and merci; keep conversations courteous in public spaces.
Table manners are similar to other parts of France; wait for everyone to be served before starting and keep voices reasonably low in cafés.
Tipping is modest; service is often included, but rounding up or adding 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Gennevilliers
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is included at many restaurants, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5-10%) for good service is common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with plenty of outdoor events along the river; stay hydrated, use sun protection, and enjoy evening strolls when it’s cooler.
Mild days with colorful foliage along river paths; bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Cool and often damp days; pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and plan indoor activities or museum visits.
Mild and pleasant with blooming trees; ideal for walks, photography, and outdoor markets.
Gennevilliers at Night
Hiking in Gennevilliers
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Urban forest with easy-to-moderate trails, ponds, and scenic views, a short drive from Gennevilliers.
Hilly ridges and expansive parklands offering varied routes and panoramic Paris views; a pleasant day trip.
Scenic riverside paths that can be combined into relaxed hike-like routes along the Seine toward nearby towns.
Airports
How to reach Gennevilliers by plane.
Major international hub located to the northeast of Gennevilliers; about 25–35 km away. Accessible by regional trains and major highways.
Secondary international hub located to the south; roughly 25–30 km away. Accessible by RER or shuttle services from central Paris.
Smaller international airport about 85–90 km away; useful for low-cost carriers and regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Significant North African and Sub-Saharan communities, with a broad mix of cultures and languages.
Proximity to Paris attracts many students and early-career professionals seeking affordable housing and easy transit access.
Established families with generational ties to the area, contributing to a steady neighborhood feel.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Île-de-France, with many local clubs and schools.
Common in community centers and youth leagues; indoor courts available in nearby towns.
Flat and accessible routes along the Seine and in surrounding parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gennevilliers.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Gennevilliers you can find vegetarian options in many bistros and cafés; look for salads, vegetable plates, cheese dishes, and mention sans viande or végétarien when ordering; markets offer fresh produce to cook at home.