Dugny is a commune in Seine-Saint-Denis, in the Île-de-France region, 10 km north-east of Paris.
Now urbanized for 80% of its surface area, its territory of nearly 4 km² was formed in Antiquity by a plateau surrounded by marshes and rivers. Former domain of a rich Roman, Dunius, who gave it its name, the locality is in the 12th century dependent on the abbey of Saint-Denis, then under the old regime of the city of Gonesse. Dugny has been known for centuries for its mills and bakers… Still a simple village, the town was affected by the Prussian occupation in 1870 but it was at the dawn of the First War that its destiny was played out, with the development of a first airfield in Le Bourget, the neighboring town. The development of this air military base that doubles as a civilian airport boosts the demography of Dugny and changes its sociology.
Still bombarded during WWII due to the proximity of the runways, the city, which today has more than 10,000 inhabitants, is still partly covered by the airport. However, this is now dedicated to business flights. The districts of Dugny, developed during the interwar period and then from the 1960s, also adjoin part of the Georges Valbon departmental base. An appreciable green lung complemented by a range of cultural leisure activities: with the nearby airport and its Air Museum, enough to justify a stopover!
The parish church having been destroyed during a battle between the Prussian and French armies in 1870, the main part of the heritage of Dugny is now made up of workers' dwellings (formerly forming a garden city) and apartment buildings that are the subject of rehabilitations. These homes from the 1930s or 1960s have long housed soldiers (air force). The center, for its part, has administrative and school buildings, shops and cultural sites from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Among the latter, let us note the Anne Frank Media Library where events (readings, meetings) and exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year. Information on +33 1 49 34 11 54. As for the Henri Salvador room, it hosts quality shows (many artists and troupes take advantage of the proximity to Paris). Information on +33 1 49 92 66 02.
Much of the infrastructure at Le Bourget airport covers the municipality of Dugny, it is also logical to note the proximity of its Air and Space museum. Indeed, if the airport itself is nowadays reserved for business aviation after having been until the 1960s the only aeronautical center of the capital (contact on +33 1 48 62 16 56), the museum welcomes all audiences. It covers 125,000 m² (12 halls) and displays aircraft from different periods, the major stages in the history of aviation, visitors can also discover the control tower or enjoy astonishing sensations thanks to the to a flight simulator. A space is specially dedicated to young audiences. Price: from 4 to 10 euros. Information on +33 1 49 92 70 00.
For athletes, are also accessible on Dugny the grounds and equipment of the Alain Mimoun stadium (information on +33 1 49 34 02 52) and the tennis club courts (to be reserved at +33 1 49 34 98 58).
The "east" part of the Georges Valbon leisure center (previously known as Parc de la Courneuve), ie the Aire des Vents and the Brouillard lake, are located on Dugny. With the public gardens and squares that dot the city districts, there is plenty to consider for green walks! In total, the base covers more than 400 hectares and its biodiversity within a highly urbanized region has justified its classification under the Natura 2000 network. For all information on the base, contact +33 1 43 11 13 00.
Finally, taking advantage or not of the green paths of the Georges Valbon base, secure routes cross the city and allow hiking enthusiasts to reach the capital or to head north towards the forests of Val d'Oise. Maps and information on +33 1 49 15 98 98.
In June, in odd-numbered years, the Paris Air Show (located partly in the city).
On July 13 in the evening, on the occasion of the national holiday, musical entertainment and fireworks.
In September, Festival of Humanity at the Georges Valbon base and at the Aire des Vents.
In November, Citizenship Week.
