Country France Department Yvelines Canton Vélizy-Villacoublay Local time Wednesday 3:27 PM | Region Île-de-France Arrondissement Versailles Area 9.09 km (3.51 sq mi) Population 19,994 (2007) | |
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Weather 13°C, Wind N at 18 km/h, 61% Humidity | ||
Vélizy-Villacoublay is a commune in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France in north-central France. It is located in the south-western suburbs of Paris 13.9 km (8.6 mi) from the center and 3.2 km (2.0 mi) east of Versailles. Its inhabitants are called Véliziens.
Contents
- Map of VC3A9lizy Villacoublay France
- Geography
- History
- Main sights
- Transport
- Economy
- Education
- Twin towns
- References
Map of V%C3%A9lizy-Villacoublay, France
Geography
Established on the Parisian plateau, the town of Vélizy-Villacoublay borders Meudon in the north-east, Clamart in the east, Bièvres in the south-east, Viroflay in the north-west, and Chaville in the north.
Vélizy-Villacoublay is a very urbanized town bordering the Meudon forest, which spans over 300 hectares (741 acres) of communal land.
There are six districts: Mozart, le Clos, le Mail, Louvois, la Pointe Ouest et Vélizy-le-Bas (with l'Ursine and le Bocage).
History
The word "Vélizy" comes from the Latin word villa. "Villacoublay" is formed from the same word, combined with the Gallo-Roman patronym "Escoblenus". Originally called simply Vélizy, the name of the commune became officially Vélizy-Villacoublay in 1938.
The territory was formed from three distinct manors: Vélizy, Villacoublay, and Ursine, established in the 11th century. The domains were progressively annexed into the royal estate beginning in the 12th century (Vélizy was annexed at the end of the 13th century).
The airbase in Villacoublay, Vélizy – Villacoublay Air Base, was built in 1911. In 1974 the Vélizy 2 shopping mall was opened.
The body of Diana, Princess of Wales was flown to RAF Northolt, west London, from here after her death in Paris on August 31st, 1997.
Main sights
Transport
Vélizy-Villacoublay is served by no station of the Paris Métro, RER, or suburban rail network. The closest station to Vélizy-Villacoublay is Chaville–Vélizy station on Paris RER line C. This station is located in the neighboring commune of Viroflay, 1.7 km (1.1 mi) from the town center of Vélizy-Villacoublay. Starting 2014, Vélizy-Villacoublay is served by a tramway line (line T6) with 7 stations.
The town is also serviced by the A86 autoroute, the 118 national route (RN118), and the RN286.