Varennes

Varennes is a toponym used for several places in France and Canada. In France, Varennes denotes multiple communes in different departments; one of the better known is Varennes-en-Argonne, a commune in the Meuse department in the Grand Est region of northeastern France. In Canada, Varennes refers to Varennes, Quebec, a city on the south shore of the Saint-Lawrence River in the Montérégie region, near Montreal. The name reflects historical patterns of settlement and local geography.

A notable historical association with the name is the Flight to Varennes in 1791, during the French Revolution. Louis XVI and his family attempted to escape Paris and were intercepted near Varennes-en-Argonne, an event that contributed to the political crisis of the period.

Today, Varennes, Quebec, is a suburban community with residential neighborhoods and local services, connected to the greater Montreal area by road and rail networks. The Varennes in France range from small rural communes to larger towns, often featuring traditional village cores, agricultural land, and regional churches.

Varennes should not be confused with similarly named places in the region; the toponym can refer to several distinct locations in France and Canada.