Located in the eastern suburbs of Paris, Bagnolet is a small commune named after the 17th-century Château de Bagnolet. It was once an important agricultural hub for the production of wine before becoming a popular residential area. Modern-day Bagnolet boasts leafy parks, a rich architectural heritage and convenient public transport connections.
Things to do in Bagnolet
One of the area’s most popular green spaces is Jean-Moulin Departmental Park-Les Guilands, which encompasses around 10 hectares of grassy lawns, shaded woodlands and recreational facilities. In addition to soccer pitches, walking trails and children’s playgrounds, there’s a small pond and an educational garden. Within the park is Stadium Guilands where athletic meets take place.
Adjacent to Gallieni Station is Centre Commercial Bel Est, a popular shopping mall with fashion retailers, electronics stores and fast-food eateries. You can browse the latest video games at Maxxi Games, shop for accessories at Claire’s or stock up on groceries at Auchan Hypermarché. On the other side of the station are a handful of restaurants, including Le Toquet and the Melting Pot Food Court.
Bagnolet makes an excellent base for visiting the Château of Vincennes, a former fortress and royal residence that dates back to the 14th century. It’s famed for its monumental keep (the tallest in Europe) and the Sainte-Chapelle with its impressive stained glass windows. As you explore the castle’s chambers, learn about its role as a prison from the 16th to 19th centuries before being used as a barracks and arsenal.
Getting around Bagnolet
Bagnolet is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Paris and just under an hour from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Subway services on the Paris Metro Line 3 stop at Gallieni Station while buses travel throughout the commune.