Les Lilas, Administrative commune in Seine-Saint-Denis, France.
Les Lilas is a commune in northeastern Paris within the Île-de-France region, characterized by residential neighborhoods and dense urban development. The territory blends older housing stock with modern apartment blocks throughout its area.
The commune was formed in 1867 from parts of neighboring Romainville, Pantin, and Bagnolet, establishing its administrative independence. This territorial division shaped its boundaries and spatial structure that remain today.
The name comes from the lilac trees that once filled the private gardens throughout the area. Today, street names and the municipal coat of arms still echo this botanical heritage.
The Mairie-des-Lilas metro station on Line 11 provides direct connections to central Paris and makes arriving easy. Visitors should plan time to explore the residential neighborhoods on foot and note that the main town hall is located on Rue de Paris.
Singer Serge Gainsbourg immortalized the Porte des Lilas station in his 1958 song 'Le Poinçonneur des Lilas' about a metro ticket puncher. The song became a musical portrait of everyday working life at the station.
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