Complete Travel Guide to Maisons-Alfort, France

Maisons-Alfort Maisons-Alfort is a commune in the southeastern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located 8.4 km (5.2 mi) from the center of Paris. Positioned at coordinates 48.81171°N, 2.43945°E, Maisons-Alfort occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Maisons-Alfort place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 28.0 meters above sea level, Maisons-Alfort benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Maisons-Alfort creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 57422 residents, Maisons-Alfort maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Maisons-Alfort represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Maisons-Alfort 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, Maisons-Alfort contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines France's regional character. The role of Maisons-Alfort in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort

History The Hôtel de Ville On 1 April 1885, 40% of the territory of Maisons-Alfort was detached and became the commune of Alfortville The Hôtel de Ville was officially opened in 1896 In 1905, Buffalo Bill stayed two months in Maisons-Alfort while his famous _Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show_ performed in Paris.

#September 1944 explosion At 8 39am on 8 September 1944 a V-2 rocket landed and killed six people at Charentonneau, launched from Petites-Tailles, near Houffalize, in south- east Belgium by _Lehr und Versuchsbatterie 444_ This was the first destruction caused by a V-2 rocket.

Later that day, a V-2 rocket from Wassenaar in the Netherlands, launched by 485 Artillerie Abteilung at 6 37pm, would hit Staveley Road in west London Bournon, Fernand (1903) "État des communes à la fin du XIXe siècle Maisons-Alfort: notice historique et renseignements administratifs / publié sous les auspices du Conseil général".

Département de la Seine Direction des affaires départementales September 1944 V2 3 _Target London: Under attack from the V-weapons during WWII_ 5 Maisons-Alfort V2 attack in September 1944.

The historical trajectory of Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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

The topographic characteristics of Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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

Demographics The population data in the table and graph below refer to the commune of Maisons-Alfort proper, in its geography at the given years. The demographic composition of Maisons-Alfort reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The commune of Maisons-Alfort ceded the commune of Alfortville in 1885. Historical populationYearPop. The demographic composition of Maisons-Alfort reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1793 1,077— 1800 807−4. 51% 1831 1,257+7. 41% 1836 1,515+3. 80% 1841 1,892+4. 54% 1846 1,590−3. 42% 1851 1,812+2. 65% 1856 2,317+5. 04% 1861 3,748+10. 10% 1866 4,049+1. 56% 1872 5,890+6. 45% 1876 7,619+6. 65% 1881 9,174+3. 78% 1886 7,034−5. 17% 1891 7,853+2. 23% 1896 9,479+3. 16% 1906 13,409+4. 92% 1911 16,466+4. 19% 1921 20,997+2. 46% 1926 25,108+3. 64% 1931 31,012+4. 31% 1936 34,384+2. 09% 1946 36,485+0. 59% 1954 40,358+1. 27% 1962 51,186+3. 02% 1968 53,149+0. 63% 1975 54,146+0. 27% 1982 51,065−0. 83% 1990 53,375+0. 55% 1999 51,103−0. 48% 2007 53,085+0. 48% 2012 54,186+0. 41% 2017 55,655+0. 54% This graph was using the legacy Graph extension, which is no longer supported. It needs to be converted to the new Chart extension. Source: EHESS and INSEE (1968-2017) #Immigration Place of birth of residents of Maisons-Alfort in 1999 Born in metropolitan France Born outside metropolitan France 82. 2% Born in overseas France Born in foreign countries with French citizenship at birth1 EU-15 immigrants2 Non-EU-15 immigrants 1. 8% 1 This group is made up largely of former French settlers, such as pieds- noirs in Northwest Africa, followed by former colonial citizens who had French citizenship at birth (such as was often the case for the native elite in French colonies), as well as to a lesser extent foreign-born children of French expatriates. A foreign country is understood as a country not part of France in 1999, so a person born for example in 1950 in Algeria, when Algeria was an integral part of France, is nonetheless listed as a person born in a foreign country in French statistics. 2 An immigrant is a person born in a foreign country not having French citizenship at birth. An immigrant may have acquired French citizenship since moving to France, but is still considered an immigrant in French statistics. On the other hand, persons born in France with foreign citizenship (the children of immigrants) are not listed as immigrants. ^ a b Des villages de Cassini aux communes d’aujourd’hui : Commune data sheet Maisons-Alfort, EHESS (in French). Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE *[Pop. The demographic composition of Maisons-Alfort reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ]: Population *[±% p. The demographic composition of Maisons-Alfort reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ]: Per annum growth rate.

The cultural landscape of Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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

The economic structure of Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort is served by three stations on Paris Métro Line 8: École Vétérinaire de Maisons-Alfort, Maisons-Alfort–Stade, and Maisons-Alfort–Les Juilliottes. It is also served by two stations on Paris RER D: Maisons-Alfort–Alfortville and Le Vert de Maisons.

Transportation infrastructure serving Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort.

Regional connectivity from Maisons-Alfort 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 The commune has: * 13 public preschools (écoles maternelles) * 12 public elementary schools * Three private preschools and elementary schools: Ecole Privée Notre-Dame, Ecole et collège Privée Sainte-Thérèse * Four public junior high schools: Collège Condorcet, Collège Edouard Herriot, Collège Jules Ferry, Collège Nicolas de Staël * One private elementary and junior high school, Ecole et collège Privée Sainte-Thérèse * Two public senior high schools/sixth-form colleges: Lycée Eugène Delacroix and Lycée Professionnel Paul Bert 1. “Les écoles à Maisons-Alfort Archived 2017-05-02 at the Wayback Machine.” Maisons-Alfort. Retrieved on September 6, 2016.

Educational institutions in Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort

Successful visits to Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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 Maisons-Alfort 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.