Maisons-Alfort
Encyclopedia : M : MA : MAI : Maisons-Alfort
| Maisons-Alfort | |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Région | Île-de-France |
| Départment | Val-de-Marne |
| Arrondissement | Créteil |
| Canton | |
| INSEE | |
| Postal Code | 94700 |
| Mayor Current Term | |
| Intercommunality | none as of 2005 |
| Longitude | |
| Latitude | |
| Altitudes | average : minimum : maximum : |
| Area | 5.35 km² |
| Population without double-counting | 54,600 51,103 inhab. (July 1, 2004 estimate) (March 8, 1999 census) |
| Population Density | 10,206 inhab./km² |
Maisons-Alfort is a commune in the southeastern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located 8.4 km. (5.2 miles) from the center of Paris.
Maisons-Alfort is famous as the location of the National Veterinary School of Alfort, the most renowned veterinary medical school in France. The Fort de Charenton, constructed between 1841 and 1845, has since 1959 housed the Commandement des Écoles de la Gendarmerie Nationale.
Name
Originally, Maisons-Alfort was called simply Maisons. The name Maisons comes from Medieval Latin Mansiones, meaning "the houses".At the creation of the commune during the French Revolution, the name of the hamlet of Alfort was joined with the name of Maisons. The name Alfort comes from the manor built there by Peter of Aigueblanche, Bishop of Hereford (England), in the middle of the 13th century. The name of this Manor of Hereford was corrupted into Harefort, then Hallefort, and eventually Alfort. The National Veterinary School of Alfort was settled several centuries later in the manor and its estate.
History
On April 1, 1885, 40% of the territory of Maisons-Alfort was detached and became the commune of Alfortville.
Administration
Maisons-Alfort is divided into two cantons:
- Maisons-Alfort-Nord, with 23,704 inhabitants;
- Maisons-Alfort-Sud, with 27 399 inhabitants.
Twinning
Maisons-Alfort is twinned with Moers in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Transportation
Maisons-Alfort is served by three stations on Paris Metro line 8: École Vétérinaire de Maisons-Alfort, Maisons-Alfort – Stade, and Maisons-Alfort – Les Juilliottes.
It is also served by two stations on Paris RER line D: Maisons-Alfort – Alfortville and Le Vert de Maisons.
External links
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