Complete Travel Guide to Aubervilliers, France

Aubervilliers Aubervilliers is a commune in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, Île-de-France region, northeastern suburbs of Paris, France. Positioned at coordinates 48.91667°N, 2.38333°E, Aubervilliers occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Aubervilliers place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 38.0 meters above sea level, Aubervilliers benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Aubervilliers creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 89489 residents, Aubervilliers maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Aubervilliers represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Aubervilliers reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout France, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Île-de-France province, Aubervilliers contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines France's regional character. The role of Aubervilliers in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Aubervilliers discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of France while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Aubervilliers

History Baptismal fonts in the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Vertus #Origins As with many communes in the outer suburbs the town had long been a rural area Formerly known as _Notre-Dame-des-Vertus_ , the village was on a plain which produced the best vegetables around Paris.

#Middle Ages Aubervilliers first appears in the archives in 1059 as _Albertivillare_ , meaning "estate of Adalbert" In the following year Henry I donated it to the Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs In 1111 the serfs were freed in Aubervilliers In 1182 the priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, located in Paris, granted Paris butchers the right to freely graze their cattle in the fields after the harvest was over.

In 1221, Guillaume Bateste, lord of Franconville, became the first Lord of **Vivier les Aubervilliers** The church, which at the beginning of the 13th century depended on one of the parishes of Saint Denis, soon became famous for the miraculous appearance of an image of the Virgin.

In 1336 Father Jacques Du Breul, Prior of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, reported the _Miracle of the rain_ : A young girl busy preparing flowers to adorn the statue of the Virgin in the church saw her face streaming with tears when the rain began to fall on the parched crops.

In 1338 King Philip VI of France and his queen went to Aubervilliers to visit the image From 1340 to 1792 people went there in droves each year from Paris and its surroundings In 1402 Michel de Laillier, Lord of Ermenonville, became Lord of Vivier les Aubervilliers.

In 1429 the town was occupied by the English but was retaken by Michel de Laillier in 1436 Louis XI went there in November 1474 to the house of Pierre L’Orfèvre, the new Lord of Vivier from then until August 1478 The image of the Virgin in lead that the king wore on his hat was a representation of the one at Aubervilliers.

In 1531 the Lordship of Vivier les Aubervilliers was sold to the Montholon family which held it until 1779 The facade and tower of the church were built in the reign of Henry II Civil wars which the Armagnacs stirred up in France led to the destruction of the village but the abundant alms of the many pilgrims who came from all sides allowed a prompt reconstruction.

On 10 November 1567 the Battle of Saint-Denis took place in the _Plaine Saint-Denis_ between the Catholic army of Anne de Montmorency and the Protestant troops of the Prince of Condé Henri IV stayed in Aubervilliers during the Siege of Paris in 1590 #From the Renaissance to the 18th century The visit by Louis XIII in 1613, then again in 1614 and 1628, allowed the development of pilgrimage to _Notre-Dame des Virtues_.

Jacques Gallemant, pastor of Aubervilliers, allowed a community of Oratorians to settle in Aubervilliers in 1618 They took charge of the Church of Notre-Dame-des- Vertus and developed an important pilgrimage around the statue of the Virgin of Aubervilliers.

The installation from 1622 of a "House of Notre-Dame de.

The historical trajectory of Aubervilliers demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Aubervilliers reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Aubervilliers remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography #Localisation Aubervilliers in the Paris Urban Area. Aubervilliers is one of three communes in the _Plaine Saint-Denis_ , 7. 5 mi) north-east of the centre of Paris. The Canal Saint-Denis traverses the commune on the western side from north to south. #Transport and communications Aubervilliers is a commune close to Paris and has numerous means of transport including: the A86 autoroute from L'Ile-Saint-Denis in the west to Drancy in the east with Exit 9 on the northern border of the commune, Route nationale N301 from Stains in the north and joining the Paris ring road in the south, the D20 from Gennevilliers in the west, the D27 from Bobigny in the east, and the D115 from Pantin in the south-east. The Paris ring road is just outside the southern border of the commune and there are two access routes to it: by the _Porte d'Aubervilliers_ and by the _Porte de la Villette_. These roads provide easy access to the network of roads and motorways around Paris as well as Le Bourget and Charles de Gaulle airports. The square was once served by numerous tramways. The AR line (Aubervilliers - République), the _Compagnie des tramways de Paris et du département de la Seine_ (TPDS) line and many others once terminated here. as well as an electric _Imperial_ tram from TPDS which circulated on the Place de la République \- Gare de l'Est \- Parisian cemetery - Quatre Chemins - Aubervilliers line. The Canal Saint-Denis at Aubervilliers The Canal Saint-Denis once had important river ports and there was the Paris- Hirson railway and an industrial railway for Saint-Denis/Aubervilliers which served the _Plaine Saint-Denis_. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Aubervilliers, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. ##Public transport in the commune La Courneuve-Aubervilliers Station The RER railway passes through the north of the commune and the station of La Courneuve-Aubervilliers, located just north of the commune on the N301 road, serves Aubervilliers. There are also two Metro stations on the south-western border on Avenue Jean-Jaures: _Aubervilliers-Pantin-Quatre Chemins_ at the corner of Ave. de la Republique, and Fort d'Aubervilliers at the corner of Ave. de la Division Leclerc. Aubervilliers-Pantin-Quatre Chemins on Metro Line 7 The commune is served by: * Paris Métro Line 7 : stations Aubervilliers-Pantin-Quatre Chemins and Fort d'Aubervilliers; * Sixteen bus routes: RATP Bus: ** 35 ** ** 134 ** ** 139 ** ** 150 ** ** 152 ** ** 170 ** ** 173 ** ** 234 ** ** 239 ** ** 249 ** ** 250 ** ** 302 ** ** 330 ** ** 512 ** Noctilien: **N42** **N43** ; * Gare de La Plaine-Stade de France: as far as Saint-Denis and Aubervilliers; * Gare de La Courneuve - Aubervilliers: located in La Courneuve commune about 1 km to the north of the commune border. * Paris Métro Line 12 since 18 December 2012 with the opening of the Front Populaire station and ultimately, in May 2022, it got extended to Mairie d'Aubervilliers station, with 1 intermediate stop at Aimé Césaire station. * Ligne 3b of the Île-de-.

The topographic characteristics of Aubervilliers result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Aubervilliers region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Aubervilliers area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Aubervilliers has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Aubervilliers demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Aubervilliers create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

The climatic regime of Aubervilliers reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Aubervilliers create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Aubervilliers determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Aubervilliers create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Aubervilliers demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Aubervilliers include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Culture and heritage #Civil heritage * The Old Match Factory (1904) at 124 rue Henri-Barbusse (now Documentation française) is registered as a historical monument. * The Maladrerie District : Renée Gailhoustet conceived the master plan for the Maladrerie District for a thousand housing units where there was previously a “quasi-slum”. The land area of 9 hectares was urbanised in ten phases from 1975 to 1984 under the supervision of the architects Magda Thomsen, Vincent Fidon, and Yves and Luc Euvremer with the concept of a mainly continuous pedestrian space and varied sizes of buildings in relation to the existing low-rise buildings. As well as Green roofs, patios, and neat gardens, the project increased the number of covered walkways and service roads for the inhabitants which was at odds with the HLM stereotypes for construction and without reference to dividing into City blocks. In addition to a retirement home, offices, shops, a childcare centre, and a socio-cultural centre (Espace Renaudie), there are artists’ studios which were not anticipated at the outset. * Le Corbusier School , 1997–2003, expanded and rebuilt by the architect Pierre Riboulet. * The Tower La Villette * Fort d’Aubervilliers * The Hôtel de Ville (town hall) contains the following items that are registered as historical objects: * Two decorative panels in the Hall of Commissions, depicting Abundance & Peace and Work (1928 & 1931) * Painting: Allegory of the Liberation (1945) #Religious heritage The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Vertus * The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Vertus (16th century) is registered as a historical monument. The church is the old centre of Aubervilliers and it was built on a rectangular plan like a covered market. The vault of the nave is decorated with a keystone representing the Virgin. The bell tower was erected in 1541 under François I and the facade of the building in 1628 when Louis XIII decided to build in the Jesuit style to express his gratitude to the Virgin after his victory over the Protestants. The church contains many items which are registered as historical objects: * Statue: Virgin and Child (17th century) * Statue: Virgin and Child (19th century) * The Stained glass windows were blown out by an explosion in the gunpowder factory in La Courneuve fort on 15 March 1918 and they were redone by the Charles Champigneulle workshop. Many of them represent the miracles of Our Lady of Virtues. They are registered as three objects: * 3 Stained glass windows (Bays 3, 4, and 16) (20th century) * 13 Stained glass windows (Bays 1, 2, and 5 to 16) (20th century) * Stained glass window (St. Christophe) (19th century) * Reliquary and 2 Statues (19th century) * Painting: Saint Mary of the Incarnation (19th century) * Pedestal Organ (1780) The organ with musical instruments (1770–80) was the work of François-Henri Clicquot and is the only.

The cultural landscape of Aubervilliers represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Aubervilliers reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Aubervilliers continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Aubervilliers provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Aubervilliers demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Aubervilliers provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy In economic terms Aubervilliers is the fourth largest city in the department of Seine-Saint-Denis with 30,000 jobs and 2,444 businesses in the private sector. The city has a dense network of SMEs representing 25% of employment. These SMEs include research laboratories such as Rhodia (730 jobs) and Saint- Gobain (400 jobs), large public institutions such as Orange S. , Documentation française, transport services such as La Poste, and the workshops of La Villette such as the Paris Métro and a large RATP bus depot. 77% of available jobs are today in services, transport, and retailing. Industrial activities are present with companies such as _lampes Aric_ , Thyssen elevators, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, and Vesuvius plc. Headquarters and administrative departments of large firms have also established here: Rhodia, KDI, Motul, Lapeyre-GME (3,400 staff), and Zurich Insurance). New industries have developed in recent years: * Telecommunications: (TelecityGroup, Interxion, Completel, etc. ) and telematic services (Atos, FNAC Direct, Acticall, etc. ) * Audiovisual and Cinema: (Euromédia, Carrere Group, Studios d'Aubervilliers, Ciné-Lumières, Téléshoping, NPA, etc. ) * Textiles and fashion (Kookai, Redskins, Hugo Boss, Afflelou, etc. ) Another sign of this change has been the strengthening of wholesale and import-export activities. With more than 300 establishments concentrated in the _Entrepôts et Magasins généraux de Paris_ (Warehouses and General Stores of Paris) (EMGP) and also around the Port of Aubervilliers (district of La Haie-Coq), this sector is a new business area in strong development. Haie-Coq imports are cheap manufactured goods of all kinds (textiles, watches, toys, decoration, gadgets), usually from Chinese products, which distributed throughout France. The CIFA - Fashion Business Center is the centre of this business. ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ _**c**_ _**d**_ _The guide to local collectives_ , May 2008, "Bienvenue. La Seine-Saint-Denis", Comité d'expansion (COMEX) of Seine-Saint-Denis (in French) 2. CIFA market website Archived 2013-09-20 at the Wayback Machine (in French).

The economic structure of Aubervilliers reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Aubervilliers often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Aubervilliers serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Aubervilliers demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Aubervilliers has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Aubervilliers focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

#Transport and communications Aubervilliers is a commune close to Paris and has numerous means of transport including: the A86 autoroute from L’Ile-Saint-Denis in the west to Drancy in the east with Exit 9 on the northern border of the commune, Route nationale N301 from Stains in the north and joining the Paris ring road in the south, the D20 from Gennevilliers in the west, the D27 from Bobigny in the east, and the D115 from Pantin in the south-east. The Paris ring road is just outside the southern border of the commune and there are two access routes to it: by the Porte d’Aubervilliers and by the Porte de la Villette. These roads provide easy access to the network of roads and motorways around Paris as well as Le Bourget and Charles de Gaulle airports. The square was once served by numerous tramways. The AR line (Aubervilliers - République), the Compagnie des tramways de Paris et du département de la Seine (TPDS) line and many others once terminated here. as well as an electric Imperial tram from TPDS which circulated on the Place de la République - Gare de l’Est - Parisian cemetery - Quatre Chemins - Aubervilliers line. The Canal Saint-Denis at Aubervilliers The Canal Saint-Denis once had important river ports and there was the Paris- Hirson railway and an industrial railway for Saint-Denis/Aubervilliers which served the Plaine Saint-Denis. ##Public transport in the commune La Courneuve-Aubervilliers Station The RER railway passes through the north of the commune and the station of La Courneuve-Aubervilliers, located just north of the commune on the N301 road, serves Aubervilliers. There are also two Metro stations on the south-western border on Avenue Jean-Jaures: Aubervilliers-Pantin-Quatre Chemins at the corner of Ave. de la Republique, and Fort d’Aubervilliers at the corner of Ave. de la Division Leclerc. Aubervilliers-Pantin-Quatre Chemins on Metro Line 7 The commune is served by: * Paris Métro Line 7 : stations Aubervilliers-Pantin-Quatre Chemins and Fort d’Aubervilliers; * Sixteen bus routes: RATP Bus: ** 35 ** ** 134 ** ** 139 ** ** 150 ** ** 152 ** ** 170 ** ** 173 ** ** 234 ** ** 239 ** ** 249 ** ** 250 ** ** 302 ** ** 330 ** ** 512 ** Noctilien: N42 N43 ; * Gare de La Plaine-Stade de France: as far as Saint-Denis and Aubervilliers; * Gare de La Courneuve - Aubervilliers: located in La Courneuve commune about 1 km to the north of the commune border. * Paris Métro Line 12 since 18 December 2012 with the opening of the Front Populaire station and ultimately, in May 2022, it got extended to Mairie d’Aubervilliers station, with 1 intermediate stop at Aimé Césaire station. * Ligne 3b of the Île-de-France tramway since 15 December 2012 with the opening of the Porte d’Aubervilliers located in the Paris area near the commune. Neighbouring communes and localities L’Île-Saint-Denis La Courneuve Le Bourget Clichy Aubervilliers Bobigny 18th arrondissement 19th Arrondi.

Transportation infrastructure serving Aubervilliers reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout France. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Aubervilliers.

Regional connectivity from Aubervilliers provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

#Education Aubervilliers has 14 kindergartens, 15 elementary schools, 5 collèges (middle schools), and 4 lycées (high schools). The city also has three private establishments and several specialized institutions. The collèges (middle schools) include Diderot, Rosa Luxemburg, Jean Moulin, Gabriel Péri, and Henri Wallon. The lycées include Lycée Polyvalent D’Alembert, Lycée d’enseignement général et technologique Le Corbusier (“Le Corbusier High School of General and Technological Education”), Lycée professionnel Jean- Pierre Timbaud (“Jean Pierre Timbaud Vocational High School”), and Lycée d’enseignement général et technologique Henri Wallon (“Henri Wallon High School of General and Technical Education”). The Inter-communal School under construction in 2011 List of Schools and colleges in Aubervilliers * Fort School (multi-lingual private School) * Babeuf School * Robespierre School * Françoise Dolto School * Jules Guesde School * Victor Hugo School * Jean Jaurès School * Jean Macé School * Joliot-Curie School * Edgar Quinet School * Paul-Langevin School * Wangari Maathai School * Notre-Dame-des-Vertus School * Maximilien-Robespierre School * Stendhal School * Jules-Vallès School * Eugène-Varlin School * Taos Amrouche School * Charlotte Delbo School * Marc Bloch School * Angela Davis School * Anne Sylvestre School * Pierre Brossolette * Saint-Just School * Jean-Jacques Rousseau School * Paul Bert School * Jean Perrin School * Francine Fromond School * Gerard Philippe School * Jacques Prévert School * Louise Michel School * Kehilat-Chne-Or Jewish School * Maria Cesarès Inter-communal School * Diderot College * Rosa-Luxembourg College * Jean-Moulin College * Gabriel-Péri College * Saint-Joseph College (Private college) * Henri-Wallon General and Technological College and School * Réussite Islamic General and Technological College and School * D’Alembert Universal School * Le-Corbusier General and Technological School * Jean-Pierre-Timbaud Vocational School 1. Establishments Archived 2010-12-22 at the Wayback Machine, Commune of Aubervilliers. Retrieved on 17 June 2010. 2. Colleges Archived 2010-09-04 at the Wayback Machine Commune of Aubervilliers. Retrieved on 17 June 2010. 3. Schools Archived 2010-03-06 at the Wayback Machine, Commune of Aubervilliers. Retrieved on 17 June 2010.

Educational institutions in Aubervilliers serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Aubervilliers

Successful visits to Aubervilliers require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Aubervilliers often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Aubervilliers include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Aubervilliers extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.