Val-de-Marne is a department located in the Île-de-France region that covers an area of 245 square kilometres. The department is named after the Marne River and, along with Seine-Saint-Denis and Hauts-de-Seine, forms a ring around
Paris known as the Petite Couronne (the "inner ring"). The department's prefecture is the beautiful city of Créteil, a hub of tourism and cultural activities. However, one of the most significant assets of Val-de-Marne is the food and flower market in Rungis, which is the largest in France and supplies fresh produce to the entire
Île-de-France region. Val-de-Marne has a population of over 1.2 million people, and 15 km of the Seine and 24 km of the Marne River run through the department. The Seine River and the Marne River are essential to the region's economy, and river tourism is a significant asset of this department.
River Ports and Gastronomy
There are various river ports, including the marina at Nogent-sur-Marne, which is one of the largest. Nogent also has many colourful riverside restaurants, and the Musée de Nogent covers all matters of historical and regional importance, especially the growth of the "
guinguette" or riverside restaurants frequented by Parisians on weekends. The Banks of the Marne attracted the interest of artists such as Pissaro, Cézanne, Utrillo, and Brayer.
Historic Landmarks of Val-de-Marne
Val-de-Marne has a rich past and several historical landmarks in the region. The Roman Aqueduct, dating from the 2nd century, once crossed the Bièvre on a 330-metre-long bridge, traces of which remain at Cachan and Arcueil. The
Aqueduc Médicis at Cachan, of which a 17th-century bridge remains, was built by the order of Marie de Médici to carry water from Rungis to the
Palais of Luxembourg. This formidable structure extends to 1.6 km, and the centre of each arch is 109 metres high. Milling was once a significant industry in the 19th century, but now only the
Moulin de la Chaussée survives in its restored state at Saint-Maurice.
Water Wonderland
Val-de-Marne is also known as the "department of water," there are many locks and weirs, fountains and wells, boathouses, and washhouses in the region. The department is a perfect destination for those who love nature, culture and history.
Key Information about Val de Marne
- Main City/Prefecture: Créteil
- Nearest Airport: Paris-Orly Airport
- Population: Around 1.4 million (as of the latest census)
- Area: 245 sq. kilometres and 95 sq. miles
- Landmark: Château de Vincennes, a medieval fortress on the edge of Paris.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 2.5 million, visiting for its green spaces, historic sites and easy access to Paris.
8 Beds
5 Baths
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