Val de Marne

Val de Marnea fascinating department with many secrets, lies to the south-east of Paris, in the heart of the Greater Paris metropolitan area. Paris and region Île-de-France. Its name comes from the river Marne, which adds a unique charm to the landscape.

With its 47 municipalities and 1.4 million residents, Val-de-Marne stands out for its rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage, reflecting a dynamic, diverse, and welcoming region.

This article invites you to explore the Val de Marne through its historical, geographical, artistic and political dimensions. Discover the treasures and singularities of this département, which over the centuries has developed an identity all its own. Whether you're a resident, tourist or simply curious, prepare to be amazed by the discoveries that the Val de Marne has to offer.

A rich and varied history

Established in 1968, Val-de-Marne is a department with deep roots, reflecting a rich and varied history that has influenced both the Île-de-France region and France as a whole.

From Its Origins to the Present: A Historical Overview

The Val-de-Marne has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the remains found in Vitry-sur-Seine and Villeneuve-Saint-Georges. During the Gallo-Roman period, the road from Paris to Sens ran through the region, following the course of the Seine. In the Middle Ages, it was part of the royal domain and home to renowned abbeys such as Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, founded in the 7th century. During the Renaissance, kings and nobles built castles there, including those at Vincennes and Grosbois.

This region was also the birthplace of the Marseillaise, composed by Rouget de Lisle in 1792 at Choisy-le-Roi.

In the 19th century, the Val-de-Marne became industrialized, hosting chemical, metallurgical, and film industries. It became a popular destination for Parisians thanks to its open-air dance halls and the banks of the Marne. Artists such as Pissarro in Pontoise and Méliès in Montreuil found inspiration there.

In the 20th century, the department evolved alongside urbanization and the arrival of new infrastructure such as Orly Airport and the metro. It has been the setting for significant social movements and cultural events, officially becoming a department in 1968, with Créteil as its prefecture.

Today, Val-de-Marne is a dynamic and close-knit department, ready to host events for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Historic monuments and cultural heritage

The Val-de-Marne boasts a remarkable historical and cultural heritage:

• The Château de Vincennes, a royal residence, prison, and military barracks, is home to the tallest medieval tower in Europe and a Gothic chapel.
• The Abbey of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, founded in the 7th century, of which the 12th-century bell tower and the 17th-century refectory still stand.
• The Fort of Sucy, part of the 19th-century ring of Parisian forts, is now a place of remembrance and culture.
• The Château de Grosbois, once owned by historic figures, with a museum of the First Empire and an equestrian center.
• The Saint-Christophe Church in Créteil, an example of contemporary architecture, was dedicated in 2015; it has no pillars and is constructed of wood and glass.

Famous people from Val de Marne

The département has been the birthplace of influential personalities:

• Agnès Sorel, the first official mistress of a king of France, was buried in Maisons-Alfort.
• Louis Daguerre, inventor of the daguerreotype, who lived in Bry-sur-Marne.
• Robert Doisneau, famous photographer who lived and worked in Gentilly.
• Simone Signoret, an Oscar-winning actress for Best Actress, who lived in Noisy-le-Grand.
• Eddy de Pretto, singer revealed in 2017, from Créteil.

The Val-de-Marne Along the Waterways

Val-de-Marne, a department shaped and inspired by water, takes its name from the Marne, a river that flows picturesquely through it from the northeast to the southwest. The banks of the Marne are dotted with parks and green spaces, offering peaceful havens for relaxation and exploration.

These lush, green areas also offer opportunities for water sports and recreational activities, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature while exploring the region’s rich river heritage.

The Marne: a vital vein

The Marne, the department’s main river, plays a central role in its identity. It originates in Haute-Marne and flows into the Seine at Alfortville after a 514-km journey, winding through the Val-de-Marne for 40 km. Its course creates a unique landscape of meanders, islands, and peninsulas.

Historically, the Marne River has served as a major artery for transportation, trade, and defense, contributing to the department’s industrial, agricultural, and tourism development. Today, it is a vital part of the region’s natural and cultural heritage, and ongoing efforts are being made to preserve and enhance it.

Parks and Green Spaces Along the Water's Edge

The Val-de-Marne stands out for its abundance of parks and green spaces, which serve as the “lungs” of this urbanized environment. Many of them are located along the banks of the Marne or the Seine, offering exceptional views of the river landscapes.

These spaces include :

• The Val-de-Marne Park in Créteil, which covers 60 hectares around Lake Créteil, offers a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, pedal boating, and mini-golf.
• The Hautes-Bruyères Park in Villejuif, the oldest departmental park, covers 13 hectares and is home to a rich biodiversity as well as an arboretum.
• The Parc du Tremblay in Champigny-sur-Marne, the largest at 73 hectares, is dedicated to sports and leisure, with a wide range of facilities.
• Parc de Cluny in Ivry-sur-Seine, a 4-hectare urban space built on a former industrial site, offers a haven of greenery.
• Watteau Park in Nogent-sur-Marne, an English-style garden on the Île de Beauté, offers a splendid view of the Marne River.

Water sports and leisure activities

The Val-de-Marne offers a wide variety of water sports and recreational activities, made possible by the Marne River, the Seine River, and various developed bodies of water. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, entertainment, or physical exercise, there’s something for everyone.

• Activities such as sailing, canoeing and kayaking, rowing, and stand-up paddleboarding offer a unique perspective on the river’s heritage. Water sports clubs and centers offer introductory lessons and equipment rentals.
• Water-skiing, wakeboarding and barefoot are exciting board sports, available through local clubs offering supervised sessions.
• Scuba diving offers the opportunity to explore the depths of the ocean, with clubs offering introductory dives, training courses, and excursions.
• Swimming, available in a variety of pools and landscaped areas, offers refreshment and fun in complete safety.

Hidden treasures of the Val de Marne

Val-de-Marne, a department brimming with discoveries, invites lovers of gastronomy, art, culture, and heritage to explore its many treasures. Whether through its local markets, museums, and galleries, or its charming villages and neighborhoods, there are always new experiences to enjoy, flavors to savor, knowledge to gain, and sights to admire.

Let's discover together how to experience the Val de Marne in a unique way.

Local markets and gastronomy

In the heart of Val-de-Marne, gastronomy takes center stage, showcasing regional products and local specialties. Local markets are brimming with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, honey, wines, and other fresh, high-quality products sourced directly from local or regional producers. Eateries—whether restaurants, bistros, or open-air cafés—offer traditional or innovative dishes that take visitors on a culinary journey into the heart of local culinary traditions.

Don’t miss the Alfortville Central Market, the Ferme Market in Boissy-Saint-Léger, or the Christmas market in Valenton for an authentic experience. And for foodies, restaurants like Hippopotamus in Créteil, Les Magnolias in Le Perreux-sur-Marne, and L’Ecu de France in Chennevières-sur-Marne are must-visits.

Art and culture: must-see museums and galleries

The Val-de-Marne stands out for its cultural and artistic diversity, offering visitors a wealth of museums and galleries. Whether your interests lie in contemporary art, history, science, photography, or the Resistance, you’ll find a place dedicated to your passion. The MAC VAL in Vitry-sur-Seine, the Fragonard Museum in Maisons-Alfort, and the National Resistance Museum in Champigny-sur-Marne are must-see destinations for art and history lovers.

Galleries such as the Galerie Municipale Jean-Collet in Vitry-sur-Seine, the Maison d’Art Bernard Anthonioz in Nogent-sur-Marne, and the Atelier Pierre Soulages in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés are also worth a visit for their richness and originality.

Unusual villages and districts to explore

Beyond its cultural and culinary attractions, the Val-de-Marne surprises visitors with its unique villages and neighborhoods, which bear witness to a rich heritage, remarkable architecture, and a fascinating history. These places offer a chance to immerse yourself in a different side of the Val-de-Marne, full of charm and authenticity. Among them, Sucy-en-Brie charms visitors with its rural atmosphere and its 12th-century church; Villeneuve-le-Roi, with its marina—the largest in the Île-de-France region; and Chevilly-Larue, famous for hosting Europe’s largest flea market.

Conclusion

The Val de Marne is a fascinating department, offering a wide range of discoveries. Whether you’re interested in its captivating history, diverse geography, rich art, vibrant culture, or its many activities, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. It stands out for its unique identity, while fostering open-mindedness and solidarity.

This department invites you to explore its treasures and attractions through its lively markets, enriching museums, lush parks, picturesque villages, and much more. Don’t wait to visit Val-de-Marne—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

FAQ

What's the most beautiful town in Val-de-Marne?

The question of which town in Val-de-Marne is the most beautiful is subjective and varies according to individual preferences. Nevertheless, based on objective criteria such as quality of life, the environment, heritage, and culture, certain towns stand out. According to L’Internaute, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés tops the list for its pleasant living environment, followed closely by Bry-sur-Marne and Nogent-sur-Marne. These towns all enjoy a prime location along the Marne River, offering a lush and peaceful environment.

The website “Bien dans ma ville” ranks Joinville-le-Pont as the ideal city in Val-de-Marne, thanks to its climate, real estate market, easy access to healthcare, and vibrant atmosphere, followed by Vincennes and Bry-sur-Marne. Meanwhile, Actu highlights Nogent-sur-Marne for its quality of life, followed by Créteil and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, which were evaluated based on criteria such as safety, health, education, community spirit, culture, sports, and recreation. Miettes de voyage recommends Créteil for a visit because of its architecture, history, culture, and green spaces, followed by Vincennes and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés.

What are the communes in Val-de-Marne?

Val-de-Marne is made up of 47 municipalities, divided into three districts: Créteil, L’Haÿ-les-Roses, and Nogent-sur-Marne. For a complete list, the Wikiwand and Villes à vivre websites provide detailed information on each municipality.

What is the name of department 94?

The 94 department is officially called Val-de-Marne. It is part of the Île-de-France region, and takes its name from the Marne river that flows through its territory.

What are the largest towns in Val-de-Marne?

In terms of population, the largest cities in Val-de-Marne are Créteil, Vitry-sur-Seine, and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. In terms of area, the largest are Vitry-sur-Seine, Créteil, and Champigny-sur-Marne.