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Bourg-la-Reine facts for kids

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The coat of arms for Bourg-la-Reine

Bourg-la-Reine is a lovely town located in the Hauts-de-Seine department in France. It's a part of the greater Paris area, known as the Île-de-France region. In 2017, about 20,667 people called Bourg-la-Reine their home. This town is famous for its green spaces and a calm, friendly atmosphere, making it a nice place to live and visit.

Exploring Bourg-la-Reine

Bourg-la-Reine is a charming town with a rich history and many interesting spots. It's well-connected to Paris, making it easy for people to travel for work or fun. The town has a mix of old buildings and modern facilities, showing how it has grown over the years.

Where is Bourg-la-Reine?

Bourg-la-Reine is situated just south of Paris. It's part of the inner suburbs, which means it's close enough to enjoy all the big city offers but far enough to have a quieter, more relaxed feel. The town is surrounded by other communes like Sceaux, Antony, and Bagneux. Its location makes it a key spot for transport and local life in the Hauts-de-Seine department.

A Look at the Population

The number of people living in Bourg-la-Reine has grown steadily over time. In 2017, there were 20,667 residents. This growth shows that more and more families and individuals are choosing to live here. The town has a diverse population, with people of different ages and backgrounds. This mix helps create a lively and welcoming community.

What is Daily Life Like?

Life in Bourg-la-Reine offers a good balance. There are many local shops, markets, and restaurants. The town also has schools, sports facilities, and cultural centers. This means that residents have everything they need close by. Many parks and green areas provide space for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Getting Around

Bourg-la-Reine is very easy to get to and from. It has its own station on the RER B train line. This train connects the town directly to central Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Orly Airport. This makes it very convenient for commuters and travelers. The town also has a good network of bus lines, helping people move around locally.

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RER Bourg-la-Reine station, a key transport hub.

History of Bourg-la-Reine

Bourg-la-Reine has a long and interesting past. Its name, which means "Queen's Town," comes from its historical connection to French queens. For centuries, it was a small village known for its agriculture and as a stop on the road to Orléans.

Early Beginnings

The area where Bourg-la-Reine stands today has been inhabited for a very long time. In the Middle Ages, it was a small settlement. It became known as "Bourg-la-Reine" because queens, like Marie de' Medici, often passed through or owned land here. This royal connection gave the town its special name.

Growth and Development

Over the centuries, Bourg-la-Reine slowly grew. In the 17th and 18th centuries, wealthy Parisians built country homes here. The town became a popular place for people to escape the busy city. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century brought even more development. It made it easier for people to live in Bourg-la-Reine and work in Paris. This led to a boom in housing and services.

Notable Landmarks

Bourg-la-Reine has several important buildings and sites that tell its story.

  • Église Saint-Gilles: This beautiful church is one of the oldest buildings in the town. It has been a place of worship for centuries. Inside, you can find amazing artworks, including the painting Extase de Saint Benoît by Jean II Restout.
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Église Saint-Gilles, a historic church in Bourg-la-Reine.
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Extase de Saint Benoît, a famous painting inside Saint-Gilles church.
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The three kings depicted at the church Saint-Gilles.
  • Villa Hennebique: Built in the early 1900s, this villa is a great example of early reinforced concrete architecture. It was designed by the famous engineer François Hennebique.
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Villa Hennebique, an architectural landmark.
  • Villa Saint Cyr: Another historic villa, it shows the architectural styles popular in the past. These villas remind us of the town's elegant history.
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Villa Saint Cyr, another historic building.

Famous People from Bourg-la-Reine

Many interesting people have lived in or been connected to Bourg-la-Reine throughout history.

  • Nicolas de Condorcet: A famous philosopher and mathematician from the 18th century, he was a key figure during the French Revolution. He lived in Bourg-la-Reine for some time.
  • Évariste Galois: A brilliant mathematician who made huge contributions to algebra, he was born in Bourg-la-Reine in 1811. His work is still studied today.
  • Léon Bloy: A French writer known for his strong opinions and unique style, he also lived in the town.

These individuals, among others, have left their mark on the town's history and culture.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Bourg-la-Reine para niños

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