Bezons is a town in the Val-d'Oise region of Île-de-France, about 10 kilometers north-west of Paris.
Located on the right bank of the Seine, the commune has the specificity of being bordering on two departments, the Hauts-de-Seine and the Yvelines.
Simple village under the Ancien Régime, belonging to the Bazin family (one of them was marshal of France under Louis XIV), the borough then owes its fame to a fair priced every year in September.
Its geographical location, on the banks of the Seine, and its surroundings near the capital make it in the 19th century a popular setting for writers (including Maupassant) and painters. Then the city was urbanized in the second half of the 19th century with the establishment of rubber and textile factories, as well as a shipyard.
Its situation makes it a crossroads in terms of communication and like the whole "small crown", Bezons is experiencing a significant population growth in the 20th century (3,500 inhabitants in 1901, nearly 14,000 before the second war and more than 28,000 today).
The development of suburban areas and then the construction of buildings have changed the face of the city, which has been serviced since 2012 by the tramway.
However, Bezons has retained many green spaces, has cultural and leisure facilities and offers quality events throughout the year.
In terms of historical heritage, the contemporary character of the city's growth reduces the possibilities of visiting. The plaque commemorating the Dead for France, however, must not be missed in the entrance to the Hotel de Ville, where there is a very rare inscription: "War to war and hatred to hatred." A testimony of the pacifist spirit that animated the elect of the time.
On the religious level, the Saint-Martin Catholic church was built in 1937, replacing a 16th-century church on the banks of the Seine, which became unhealthy. The interior of the current building was renovated by volunteers in 2011.
Also worth seeing is the oratory known also as the chapel of the Val-Notre-Dame, endowed with a small octagonal tower. Dating back to the 19th century, the oratory was added to the list of historical monuments.
A walk in Bezons can be staked by many parks and squares: Bettencourt park, Sacco-and-Vanzetti park (beautiful set of sequoia, cedars, lime trees and games for children), the square of the Republic (trees and games), the Grenouillère square, rich in acacia, pine, maple, linden and birch trees. The towpath (on the banks of the Seine), where willows, apple trees, maple trees, linden trees, plane trees, poplars, elders and reeds, are not to be forgotten. More recently, the Mandela Park, the Desmoulin square with its numerous massifs and the square Langlois where planted robiniers, sophoras, ginkgo, magnolias or Mexican orange trees were planted! What to air in a pleasant environment.
For larger hikes, on foot or by bike, departing or including Bezons, please call +33 1 30 73 39 20.
For sports enthusiasts, the swimming pool at the Jean Moulin complex is equipped with two pools and wellness facilities. Admission: 340 and 5,20 euros. Information on +33 1 30 76 97 49.
Other disciplines (tennis on indoor or outdoor courts, indoor football, for example) can be envisaged at the Sports House or the Jean Moulin complex. Contact us on +33 (0) 1 79 87 62 80.
Finally, throughout the year, the Paul-Eluard Theater, which was renovated in 1995, offers plays, concerts, film screenings and exhibitions. Programming and information on +33 1 34 10 20 20.
In mid-March, the Ciné-Poème festival combines cinematographic shorts and poetry.
During the second half of June, in the media library, REV'Arts proposes numerous exhibitions bringing together works by professional or amateur artists. The public is also invited to meet the artists.
In July, Operation "1, 2, 3 Soleil" at the Bettencourt park allows to reconcile farniente, games, sports activities.
In September, resonating with its tradition dating back to the XVIIth century, Bezons proposes a fair bringing together 800 exhibitors. A flea market and an associative village are proposed in parallel.
Finally, in another register, the covered market nicely called "Au temps des cerises" awaits gourmets and gourmands on Thursdays and Sundays.
