In Val-de-Marne, this historic 19th-century villa nearly vanished!

It came very close to becoming nothing but a distant memory, mentioned only in faded archives. During a time when Val-de-Marne was rapidly transforming, this elegant 19th-century house stood quietly, resisting the upheavals of urban change for a long time.

The Villa Bourières derives its name from its original owner, who built it in the 1850s within the park of the former abbey of Saint‑Maur‑des‑Fossés, on the banks of the Marne: a site rich in history that blends medieval remnants with romantic landscapes. Its architecture, featuring an ornately decorated façade that combines classical and neo-Renaissance influences, already made it a standout structure in the urban and natural scenery of Val-de-Marne when it was first erected. Over the decades, however, it was gradually forgotten, transforming into a silent witness to history, cherished today by a handful of local heritage enthusiasts.

Guided tours of the ruins of Saint-Maur Abbey (94)
In the town of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés lies a little gem, an ancient abbey founded in 639, of which only the ruins remain today, and which can be admired on guided tours organized by the Société d'histoire et d'archéologie de Saint-Maur. [Read more]

By the 20th century, the fate of the villa was hanging in the balance. The rapid urbanization in the Val-de-Marne region, coupled with increasing land pressures and shifting land use, dramatically reshaped the landscape. Like many historic estates, Villa Bourières gradually lost its original purpose. There were even times when demolition was considered, as maintaining the property grew more costly and the surrounding land became highly desirable.

By the end of the 20th century, Villa Bourières appeared increasingly vulnerable. Deteriorated and little known to the general public, it no longer met modern standards. In a region where many historic homes had already been lost, its future seemed sealed. It wasn't until the 1990s that the municipality of Saint‑Maur‑des‑Fossés, recognizing the site's historical significance, embarked on stabilization efforts to save this endangered heritage. The goal was to make the structure watertight by installing a temporary roof, protecting the facades and stone decorations that were already showing signs of fragility. Despite limited resources, this initiative succeeded in stabilizing the villa and preventing its complete disappearance.

• To be read
• The best deals in Paris and Île-de-France this week, from January 19 to 25, 2026
• Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips

Today, Villa Bourières stands out as a true . It serves as a reminder that local heritage isn’t just about grand monuments, but also about those quiet homes tucked away within the urban fabric. Having narrowly escaped disappearance, it exemplifies better than anything else the fragile beauty of everyday history. Its continued existence encourages us to pay closer attention to these buildings we often pass without noticing—yet they are the very core of the city’s rich historical fabric.