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 communes and 1.4 million inhabitants, the Val de Marne boasts a 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

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

From origins to today: a historical overview

The Val de Marne has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the remains found at Vitry-sur-Seine and Villeneuve-Saint-Georges. In Gallo-Roman times, the Paris-Sens road ran along the Seine. In the Middle Ages, it became part of the royal domain, home to renowned abbeys such as Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, established in the 7th century. During the Renaissance, kings and nobles alike built castles here, including 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 an industrialized region, home to the chemical, metallurgical and film industries. It became a popular spot for Parisians with its guinguettes and Marne riverbanks. Artists such as Pissarro in Pontoise and Méliès in Montreuil found inspiration here.

In the 20th century, the département evolved with urbanization and the arrival of new infrastructures such as Orly airport and the metro. It was the setting for major social movements and cultural events, and officially became a département in 1968, with Créteil as its prefecture.

Today, the Val de Marne is a dynamic and supportive department, ready to host events at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Historic monuments and cultural heritage

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

• Château de Vincennes, royal residence, prison and barracks, home to Europe's tallest medieval tower and a Gothic chapel.
• Saint-Maur-des-Fossés Abbey, founded in the 7th century, of which the 12th-century bell tower and 17th-century refectory remain.
• Fort de Sucy, part of the 19th-century belt of Parisian forts, today 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.
• Saint-Christophe church in Créteil, an example of contemporary architecture, inaugurated in 2015, without pillars, using wood and glass.

Famous people from Val de Marne

The département has been the birthplace of influential personalities:

• Agnès Sorel, first official favorite of a French king, buried at 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, Oscar-winning actress who lived in Noisy-le-Grand.
• Eddy de Pretto, singer revealed in 2017, from Créteil.

Val de Marne on the water

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

These verdant surroundings also invite you to enjoy water sports and leisure activities, allowing you to reconnect with nature while discovering the river's rich heritage.

The Marne: a vital vein

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

Historically, the Marne has been an artery of communication, trade and defense, contributing to the department's industrial, agricultural and tourist development. Today, it is a vital component of the department's natural and cultural heritage, and we are constantly striving to preserve and enhance it.

Waterfront parks and green spaces

The Val de Marne is distinguished by its abundance of parks and green spaces, veritable lungs in an urban environment. Many of them border the Marne or Seine rivers, offering exceptional panoramic views of the river landscape.

These spaces include :

• The Parc du Val-de-Marne in Créteil, which extends over 60 hectares around the Lac de Créteil. It offers a variety of leisure activities including fishing, pedal-boating and mini-golf.
• Parc des Hautes-Bruyères in Villejuif, the oldest park in the département, covers 13 hectares and is home to a rich biodiversity and 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.
• The Parc Watteau 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 range of water sports and leisure activities, accessible via the Marne, the Seine and a variety of landscaped lakes. Whether for relaxation, entertainment or exercise, there's something for everyone.

• Activities such as sailing, canoeing, rowing and paddling offer a unique perspective on our river heritage. Nautical clubs and bases offer introductory courses and rentals.
• Water-skiing, wakeboarding and barefoot are exciting board sports, available through local clubs offering supervised sessions.
• Diving offers the opportunity to explore the depths of the sea, with clubs offering baptisms, training 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

The Val de Marne, a department rich in discovery, invites food, art, culture and heritage enthusiasts to explore its many treasures. Whether through its local markets, its museums and galleries, or its villages and neighborhoods full of character, there are always new experiences to be had, flavors to be savored, knowledge to be acquired and beauty to be contemplated.

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

Local markets and gastronomy

In the heart of the Val de Marne, gastronomy takes pride of place, showcasing local produce and specialities. Local markets are brimming with fruit, vegetables, cheeses, charcuterie, honeys, wines and other fresh, quality produce direct from local or regional producers. Culinary establishments, whether restaurants, bistros or guinguettes, offer typical or innovative dishes that take visitors on a gustatory journey to the heart of culinary traditions.

Don't miss the central market in Alfortville, the Marché de la Ferme in Boissy-Saint-Léger, or the Christmas market in Valenton for an authentic experience. And for gourmets, restaurants like Hippopotamus in Créteil, Les Magnolias in Le Perreux-sur-Marne, or L'Ecu de France in Chennevières-sur-Marne are a must.

Art and culture: must-see museums and galleries

The Val de Marne shines in its cultural and artistic diversity, offering visitors a multitude of museums and galleries. Whether your interest lies in contemporary art, history, science, photography or resistance, you'll find a space dedicated to your passion. The MAC VAL in Vitry-sur-Seine, the Musée Fragonard in Maisons-Alfort, and the Musée de la Résistance Nationale in Champigny-sur-Marne are essential stops for art and history lovers.

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

Unusual villages and districts to explore

In addition to its cultural and gastronomic attractions, the Val de Marne is also full of unusual villages and districts that bear witness to a rich heritage, remarkable architecture and fascinating history. These places offer an immersion in a different Val de Marne, full of charm and authenticity. These include Sucy-en-Brie, with its rural atmosphere and 12th-century church; Villeneuve-le-Roi, with its marina, the largest in the Paris region; and Chevilly-Larue, famous for Europe's largest flea market.

Conclusion

The Val de Marne is a fascinating department, offering a wide range of discoveries. Whether your interest lies in its captivating history, varied geography, rich art and vibrant culture, or its many activities, you're sure to find what you're looking for. It has a unique identity, while cultivating open-mindedness and solidarity.

This département invites you to explore its treasures and sights through lively markets, enriching museums, verdant parks, picturesque villages and much more. Don't delay in visiting the Val de Marne, an experience you won't soon forget!

FAQ

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

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

The website Bien dans ma ville ranks Joinville-le-Pont as the ideal town in Val-de-Marne, thanks to its climate, real estate market, easy access to healthcare and dynamism, followed by Vincennes and Bry-sur-Marne. On the other hand, Actu highlights Nogent-sur-Marne for its quality of life, followed by Créteil and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, evaluated according to criteria of safety, health, education, solidarity, culture, sports and leisure. Miettes de voyage recommends Créteil for 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 comprises 47 communes, divided into three arrondissements: Créteil, L'Haÿ-les-Roses and Nogent-sur-Marne. For a complete list, the Wikiwand and Villes à vivre websites offer 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 towns in Val-de-Marne are Créteil, Vitry-sur-Seine and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. In terms of surface area, the largest are Vitry-sur-Seine, Créteil and Champigny-sur-Marne.