Boulogne Billancourt may not be the most well known destination in France but with unique sites of interest this southwestern suburb is an intriguing place for a break away. Close to the center of Paris, Boulogne Billancourt has its history rooted in industry, yet now boasts a healthy center for communication businesses. A stay in one of the local Boulogne Billancourt hotels will therefore suit not only the holiday maker but the business traveler too.
Originally named Boulogne-sur-Seine, the area was renamed Boulogne Billancourt in 1924 to reflect the industrial developments in the local community of Billancourt. Today, culture and the arts are also well represented in Boulogne Billancourt. For example, at the Musee Paul Belmondo, (The Paul Belmondo Museum), visitors will find the work of the sculptor Paul Belmondo (1898-1982) including many of his drawings and designs for medals and medallions. Within easy reach of the metro station, Boulogne-Jean-Jaures and a free bus service this museum is ideally located for those on a day out exploring multiple attractions.
The Musee des Annees Trente, (Museum of the Thirties) dedicated to 1930's arts provides more reasons to visit the area. Built in 1939 by Dr. Albert Besancon, this museum offers an insight into the work of local artists and also includes furniture, posters, ceramics and designs by architects Perret, Le Corbusier and Fischer. There are around 20,000 drawings, 800 paintings and 1,500 sculptures on this site, many of which represent the work of those unable to work or stay in Central Europe during the war.
Alternatively, visitors may wish to visit the Albert Kahn Museum and Gardens. Rather than paintings and sculptures, this museum hosts photographs by Albert Kahn (1860-1940).
The wealthy French banker, Albert Kahn was dedicated to creating a photographic record of people around the world. However, rather than work in black and white, Kahn used a true-color photographic system. Assisted by a group of photographers Kahn recorded, in color, important moments in history, including the collapse of the Ottoman empire and soldiers in the trenches during the First World War. Although Kahn died in 1940 with little of his wealth intact, his work is considered important both in terms of the color photographic technique that was used and in terms of what this color revealed about the subjects of his photographs. Kahn's photographs were the subject of the BBC television and book The Wonderful World of Albert Kahn. The gardens that sit alongside the museum, including three sections dedicated to different types of forest, are designed to represent French, English and Japanese gardens. These picturesque areas provide a peaceful accompaniment to the museum site.
For those wanting to make the most of this varied culture Boulogne Billancourt provides a range of different hotel options. Boulogne Billancourt hotels are designed to suit different needs, ranging from those that require a quiet and small place to stay to those that are looking for a more central and busy location. With a choice of hot food provided on site, or a short journey to a restaurant, sampling the local cuisine will not be a problem. Restaurants may not always be located within the hotel and bars and receptions can be staffed and run on either a part-time or 24 hour basis so it is worth checking dining options offered by your hotel before booking.
Hotel rooms often come with an en-suite option and most are air-conditioned to provide guests with a comfortable stay no matter what the weather or season. Rooms with balconies may be available on request for those wishing to enjoy the views of the local area. Rooms also come equipped with Wi-Fi, satellite television, minibar and usually offer the option for a safe for valuables.
For visitors looking for entertainment Boulogne Billancourt hotels offer a number of different activities, from billiards and shops to Fitness Centers and Solarium. Papers can be arranged if required in some locations and for those that need it, photocopying and dry cleaning facilities are made available. In some cases, hotel rooms are soundproofed and in many a luggage storage area is made available for the convenience of travelers arriving at different times.
The combination of conveniently located, well decorated and well equipped hotels and a variety of attractions to see in the area makes Boulogne Billancourt an intriguing travel destination. Plan your trip well and you'll not miss out on either the comfort of a local hotel or the art and culture of this small yet unique part of France.
Euro Currency
0.7607
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0.7617
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1.1950
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0.0099