Sitting just on the outskirts of Paris, the departement of Val-de-Marne is a popular area with both commuters and tourists looking for an escape to the countryside from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. There are lots of open green areas among the commuter belt towns, as well as several historical buildings and castles still surviving among the new developments. The Marne River, which gives the area its name, has some pleasant walking routes along its banks, if you feel the need for some fresh, countryside air.
The town of Nogent-sur-Marne is just outside the Paris ring road, the Peripherique, but its pretty riverside walkway and marina makes you feel as though you could be hundreds of miles away. In the towns all along the Marne, including Nogent, cafes known as guingettes, are popular. These are usually outdoor bars, with a dance floor, where patrons can drink and celebrate all night. The perfect end to a day walking along the river or relaxing and taking a boat trip through the pleasant Marne valley.
A few kilometres north of Nogent-sur-Marne is the Chateau de Vincennes. The 12th century fortress is surrounded by a high defensive wall and 12 towers. Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring the ramparts, as well as admiring the view over Paris in the distance. Next to the castle is the town's elegant Gothic church, while the nearby Bois de Vincennes is a huge open space that is popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists.
One of the more unusual, but most popular tourist attractions in the Val de Marne region is the rose garden in L'Hay des Roses. The town was simply called L'Hay until 1914, when the local council added “des Roses” to the name because of the fame the rose garden was bringing to the region. The garden really is only planted with roses, and was one of the first in the world to be designed in this way. Visit at the right time of year and you are welcomed to the garden by a riot of colour. Signs in the garden explain more about the plants themselves, while the enthusiastic staff are always more than happy to answer any questions you might have. The garden is themed, planted and arranged according to colours or varieties, so that the flowers aren't really as random as they might first appear.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Val de Marne? Then below is a selection of gites in Val de Marne and villas in Val de Marne that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
