Our guide
Dreaming of a green and cultural getaway just outside Paris? Then you’ll love Val-de-Marne (94)! Rich in heritage, nature and contemporary creation, this département in the Île-de-France region is packed with ideas for outings—all accessible by metro, RER or train. The perfect way to disconnect without going far.
Nature & gentle roaming : Nicknamed the "water département", Val-de-Marne is ideal for cycling or walking along the Marne and Seine rivers, or on routes like the Scandibérique or the greenway known as La Végétale. From the riversides to the forests of Notre-Dame and Grosbois, from the Créteil leisure island to the many departmental parks, you can switch between hiking, canoeing, picnicking or relaxing at a guinguette café. Don’t miss the Val-de-Marne Rose Garden, home to the largest living collection of roses in the world.
Culture & living heritage : Château de Vincennes, once a royal residence, invites you to climb the tallest medieval keep in Europe. Want to dive into history? Explore the Château de Grosbois, the Fort of Sucy, or local museums such as the Resistance Museum, the quirky Fragonard Museum, or the Écomusée. And don’t forget Pontoise—accessible via RER C, H or J—a city of art and history perfect for a quick culture fix.
Art & creativity : Val-de-Marne is also a hub for contemporary art: from the MAC VAL in Vitry-sur-Seine to the MABA, the Crédac, and the unique Closerie Falbala by Jean Dubuffet. Wandering the streets of Vitry, Ivry, Champigny or Fontenay, you'll stumble upon one of the largest open-air street art galleries in France, brought to life every October by the Phénomèn’Art festival.
Flavours & unusual escapes : Savour the simple pleasures of a riverside stroll and a glass of wine at a guinguette, discover local crafts through Explore Paris workshops, visit a petting farm, or even meet organic dairy donkeys! The Exploradôme, a hands-on science and tech museum, delights kids and adults alike with its motto: “Touching allowed!”
Whether you're flying solo, in a couple or exploring with the whole crew, Val-de-Marne offers a perfect “train + nature + culture” escape—right on Paris’s doorstep, where urban art, living heritage and peaceful trails come together.
Val-de-Marne is easy to explore car-free: