This is interpreted as referring either to a megalithic column used in ancient times by a druidic cult which stood in Colombes until its destruction during the French Revolution, or to the columns of an atrium in a ruined Gallo-Roman villa that also stood in Colombes.

The population data in the table and graph below refer to the commune of Colombes proper, in its geography at the given years.

The city is divided into two cantons: Colombes is served by four stations on the Transilien Paris-Saint-Lazare suburban rail line at Colombes, Le Stade, La Garenne-Colombes and Les Vallées.

The stadium lost its importance after the restoration in 1972 of Paris' 49,000-seat Parc des Princes.

The RCF Paris football club, which plays in the fourth division, remains at Yves-du-Manoir.