An article by affertah, added on July 25, 2025 3 min. reading
Just minutes from Roissy, Goussainville reveals a unique heritage and a stunning landscape, between historic alleys and family experiences in the heart of nature. A destination to (re)discover for an original outing just a stone's throw from Paris.
The Old Country of Goussainville: an extraordinary heritage
The district of Old Country of Goussainville is a unique place in the Val-d'Oise. In the 1960s, the historic center of the town was gradually deserted, particularly with the arrival of the railway line and then, in 1974, the opening of Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport.
The Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul church, listed as a historic monument, prevents any demolition within a 500-meter radius, permanently freezing the neighborhood.
But Vieux Goussainville isn't a static place: behind the old facades, a transformation is well and truly underway. Driven by local initiatives, cultural projects, and residents' strong attachment to their heritage, the town is gradually reinventing this unique space.
Today, the Old Town attracts visitors seeking unusual heritage and authentic experiences. The quiet streets, unique atmosphere, and buildings steeped in history give the place a rare, almost cinematic dimension—yet resolutely forward-looking.
A very present local life
Despite this apparent immobility, Goussainville is very much alive. The Vieux-Pays still houses a school, residents attached to their neighborhood, and a bookstore specializing in antique and used books, Goussainlivres, which is a testament to the local cultural dynamism.
The Vieux-Pays association works to promote the site, and numerous heritage actions are carried out to preserve and transmit this piece of history.
Abracada'Parc: Goussainville's new family adventure
Just a stone's throw from the Vieux-Pays, Goussainville reveals a completely different face with Abracada'Parc, a nature and sensory leisure park, located in a wooded area.
Designed for families, the park offers:
- Suspended walkways in the trees,
- Treehouses and play structures,
- Immersive experiences in the great outdoors.
Abracada'Parc is part of a strong desire to renew the town's tourist offerings. It symbolizes the dynamism of Goussainville, combining the preservation of its history with the creation of new ecological and recreational activities.
An original outing just a stone's throw from Roissy
Goussainville offers a unique experience combining history, architecture, nature, and leisure activities. It's the perfect destination for families, heritage enthusiasts, and visitors looking for off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Practical information for visiting Goussainville
How to get there ?
(I.e. from Paris :
- RER D – Gare du Nord > Stop Goussainville
- Then about 20 minutes walk to the Old Country
(I.e. From Roissypôle (Roissy CDG) :
- Bus 32 – 95/18 – 95/02
- Stop Thillay Roundabout
Things to do on site:
- Explore the the heritage trail of Vieux Goussainville and the hiking file HERE].
- Visit GoussainBooks, the essential second-hand bookstore
- Enjoy the forest adventure trails at Abracada'Parc
For group outings, the group service offered by the Grand Roissy Tourist Office HERE].
