Choisy-le-Roi is a commune of nearly 42 000 inhabitants located in Île-de-France, in the Val-de-Marne department. It takes place about ten kilometers from Paris and is bordering Alfortville, Creteil, Orly or even Vitry-sur-Seine. It is the only commune of the small crown to be found on either side of the Seine.
The town of Ile-de-France appears in the history books from the Gallo-Roman period, but the city was not really born until the twelfth century. A former property of the abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Choisy-le-Roi grew strongly during the 18th century, becoming the royal residence of Louis XV in 1739. Formerly a stronghold of the Marquise de Pompadour, To grow and improve over the centuries, to become the city it is today.
Boasting an important architectural and historical heritage, as well as excellent transport links, the city of Choisy-le-Roi attracts a large number of visitors each year wishing to better know the history of this part of the Island -La France. The proximity to Paris and its monuments also gives it an ideal geographical location.
Built in the 18th century on the orders of the King of France, Louis XV, the church of Saint-Louis-et-Saint-Nicolas replaces an edifice deemed too small and too close to the Seine. Classified as a Historical Monument, it has a predominantly classical style. Desacralized during the French Revolution, it was rehabilitated in the 19th century, obtaining the title of honorary cathedral. The church has a chevet with a roof at the Mansart as well as a pavilion giving direct access to the garden of the castle of Choisy-le-Roi. This entrance permitted the king to have access to Mass directly from his dwelling.
There are only a few elements of the old castle of Choisy-le-Roi. One can still notice the entrance formed of two pavilions of guard, and located in a landscaped park of Napoleon III style. A wing of common is also always visible.
Walking through the city, you can admire the House of Pages at the end of the 18th century and its façade adorned with a colossal order, the pavilion of the Gardes, or the house and the statue of Rouget de Lisle. The author of the Marseillaise is in fact dead in Choisy-le-Roi after having lived there for many years. Do not miss the old train station, one of the rare examples of the Orleans Railway Company today. It is possible to discover beautiful faiences of Choisy-le-Roi.
In the Gondolas quarter, a teaching farm proposes to discover several different animals, as well as many games for children. The city also has other parks to enjoy nature and good weather, such as the interdepartmental sports park, the Mairie park, or the Maurice-Thorez park.
The town has a nautical leisure base with a water level of 1500 meters by 100 meters. It is possible to learn to windsurf, canoe-kayak, or swimming.
Several weekly markets take place between Monday and Sunday. A Christmas market is offered at the end of the year with several activities. Throughout the year, garage sales and flea markets are organized.
The Oh festival is held in May in several towns in the Val-de-Marne. Installed on the banks of the Seine, it offers nautical and festive activities.
In September, the festivities of the city take place at the Maurice-Thorez park with many entertainments of all kinds.
The festival of Marne takes place in October and offers several days of concerts.
