discovering Choisy-le-roi, Val-de-Marne, Ile de France

A stroll in a piece of heaven just a step from Paris: the edges of the Marne. They inspired the painters (Pissaro, Cézanne), the writers, ( Zola), the photographers ( Willy Ronis), the directors (Duvivier, Meat-based) and the singers. This place in the crazy charm, also possesses a rich past, in which it is difficult to escape. A bucolic stroll right in the heart of the city of Créteil, in the discovery of islands in the name suggestive: island of the Devastating, saint-Catherine, Breeze-bread and Swiss cheese (île des Ravageurs, Sainte-Catherine, Brise-Pain et Gruyère).

A bucolic stroll in the discovery of canals and edges of the Marne, the paradise of rowings, nautical ski, sails and other canoeings, lined with heterogeneous and often built houses on piles to protect itself from floods. Thatched roof, buildings in white stones, wooden chalets, architect's houses, all the styles mix and we guess the pretty gardens and the generous lawns behind certain high walls... This stroll invites you to discover the famous Edges of the Marne, a natural heritage protected a few kilometers away from Paris, but also the house of the famous madman singing Charles Trenet. A walk (with cycle track open to all the modes of soft traffic: bike, rollers, jogging, and walk) is situated at the top of the bank, whereas a path of bank allows the walkers to walk as closely as possible to the water.

In Paris, its length occupies about 13 km, with a depth varying between 3,40 and 5,70 m. Its width varies, it, from 30 to 200 m. The normal restraint of the reach of Paris, that is the height of the surface with regard to the sea level, is 26,72 m2. In Paris, the Seine is crossed by thirty seven bridges among which four accessible footbridges only to the pedestrians. History The Seine favored, from the middle of the IXth century, the Norman invasions. In March 845, for example, the Normans who went back up the Seine since its mouth, arrive to Paris which they plunder. They withdraw only against a ransom of 7000 pounds of money. Other assaults will follow during a half a century approximately. In 1170, the corporation of the " traders of the water " receives from king Louis VII the monopoly of the business on the Seine. On their seal represents the nave which is still in the coat of arms of the city of Paris. August 9th, 1803, experiment of Robert Fulton's steamer on the Seine. The first wash-sheds are anchored in the Seine in 1851 and quickly reach hundred. The arrival of the tap water in the Parisian buildings pulls their progressive disappearance until 1937. During the war of 1870, the Parisians, besieged by the Prussians and without communications with the outside, try to receive from the mail locked into metallic balls, said " balls of Moulins ", launched upstream to the capital. None was however taken in in Paris. Drink the water of the Seine The Parisians drank some water of the Seine always, but from the roman time of waters of source of better quality are brought in Paris. We shall note however in 1605 the installation of a pump on the New bridge, said by the Samaritan, who will work until 1813. Also, that of the bridge Notre-Dame worked from 1673 till 1858. The water carriers, the corporation mentioned from 1292, brought at home the water drawn from the Seine or taken in the public fountains, and disappeared only at the end of the XIXth century. Today, the Seine in Paris does not supply any more strictly speaking drinking water to the Parisians, because used waters of surface result from Evry and from Orly, far upstream. Floods The floods of the Seine are an integral part of the history of Paris. It seems good that the first mention of a floods is the one of the Roman emperor Julien during winter 358-359. The columnist Grégoire De Tours told then that of the 582. The floods were often fatal in the bridges of Paris. So, in 1280, a floods of the river take the Big Bridge. In December, 1296, a new floods of an exceptional scale take all the bridges of Paris (which in the time supported houses). The most important floods of the Parisian history, known with a sufficient certainty, are the one of 1658. But the most present historic floods still in the memory of the Parisians are the one of 1910 which lasted nine days, from 20 till 28 January 1910. On January 21st, it achieved certain places about 9,50 m. Numerous postcards showed the devastation, such the accesses of the station Saint-Lazare completely under waters.

Set off from Paris to discover Bruges, the “Venice of the North”, on this full day trip. SET OFF FROM PARIS TO DISCOVER BRUGES, THE “VENICE OF THE NORTH”, ON THIS FULL DAY TRIP. Departing from Paris at 7:15am, a coach will drive you to the city of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival at around 11am, you’ll start the day with a guided walking tour lasting roughly 90 minutes during which you’ll discover the medieval old town, the Grand-Place, Les Halles (historic market place), Notre-Dame Cathedral, Le Béguinage Benedictine monastery and the town hall. After your tour, you will have some free time to explore the city, its museums and its eateries until 4:30pm. You will then regroup to make the return journey, arriving back in Paris for around 9pm. A full day trip departing from Paris to visit one of Europe’s most charming historic cities!

Have a different shopping experience when you discover La Vallée Village! More than 120 well-known French and international brands with reduced prices are available! OPT FOR A DAY OF SHOPPING AT THE VALLÉE VILLAGE OUTLETS, A UNIQUE LOCATION IN FRANCE LOCATED CLOSE TO THE CAPITAL! Close to Paris, La Vallée Village offers you a pleasant, open-air experience, its small streets lined with shops and several food outlets. Get your shopping fix with collections from over 120 prestigious fashion and home décor brands at reduced prices: Armani, Calvin Klein Jeans, Diesel, Gérard Darel, Guess, Jimmy Choo and many more! Be one of the privileged few and reserve your tickets for a shopping experience with a twist!

Chambord, Chenonceau, Cheverny: discover the world-renowned Loire Châteaux! Dating back to the Renaissance, the Loire Châteaux were often frequented by the French kings and their courtiers... CHAMBORD, CHENONCEAU, CHEVERNY: COME AND DISCOVER THE WORLD-RENOWNED LOIRE CHÂTEAUX! DATING BACK TO THE RENAISSANCE, THE LOIRE CHÂTEAUX WERE OFTEN FREQUENTED BY THE FRENCH KINGS AND THEIR COURTIERS. Due to the vast number of remarkable monuments in the Loire Valley, the entire region has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So come and explore these exceptional historic landscapes! A coach will take you from Paris to Chambord. Upon arrival, you will go on a tour of the royal residence and its estate. After the tour of Chambord you will explore the Château of Cheverney, which was the comic-book illustrator Hergé's inspiration for the Château of Moulinsart in Tintin. You will be able to access its various rooms, notably the private drawing rooms. After lunch your afternoon will be spent visiting the Château of Chenonceau, famous for its remarkable art collections.  PLEASE NOTE: on Saturdays and Mondays between April and October, the tour will include the châteaux of Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord (apart from October 3, 5, 10 and 12, when Chambord is closed and will be replaced by a a visit to Cheverny).

Come and discover the magical world of Disneyland Paris and its theme parks! Young and old alike will enjoy a day packed with fun and amazement! Choose the park you'd like to visit and experience all the activities it has to offer... COME AND DISCOVER THE MAGICAL WORLD OF DISNEYLAND PARIS! YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE WILL ENJOY A DAY FUN-PACKED DAY OF RIDES AND FAIRYTALE ADVENTURES! Choose which park you'd like to visit: Disneyland or the Disney Studios. Both offer a fantastic range of rides and activities! After an hour-long journey from central Paris, your coach will drop you off near to the entrances of both parks. This way, you can easily make your way to the Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios Park, depending on your preference. Disneyland Park includes attractions such as  Sleeping Beauty's Castle, Main Street USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. Walt Disney Studios Park, created in 2002, contains 16 attractions around the theme of cinema, including the Tower of Terror and Toy Story Playland. At around 7pm, another coach will collect you from the place where you were dropped off, and you will be taken back to Paris for around 8pm. 

GO AND MEET THE 180 ANIMAL SPECIES PRESENT AT VINCENNES ZOO! On the edges of Paris, Vincennes Zoo is the home to nearly 180 species and over 2,000 animals spread across 5 zones on 14 hectares of land. The architectural constructions were designed with respect for the animals' origins. The park has recently been renovated with conserving the well-being of the animals always in mind. All year long, you can discover the animals in their natural spaces, and you will be able to witness numerous shows that are held in the zoo. As a family or between friends, offer yourself a getaway far from the hustle and bustle of Paris!

Also known as "Coronation City", the town of Reims has a rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. Reims played a significant role in the history of the French monarchy, but it's also renowned for its exceptional wines and champagnes.  ALSO KNOWN AS "CORONATION CITY", THE TOWN OF REIMS HAS A RICH CULTURAL AND GASTRONOMIC HERITAGE. Reims played a significant role in the history of the French monarchy, and it's also renowned for its exceptional wines and champagnes. This excursion gives you the chance to sample unique flavors whilst you soak in the region's historic charm! Your day trip to the Champagne region starts in Paris, where you will board a coach for Reims. Upon arrival, you will be taken on a tour of the famous 13th-century Gothic cathedral, which hosted the coronations of many French kings, including Louis IX and Charles VII. Next, you will be treated to a champagne tasting session at the Mumm champagne cellar (replaced by Taittinger Cellar on Mondays). After an independent lunch, you will take to the road again and travel through the vineyards of Reims Mountain. Your final stop will be Epernay, site of the champagne cellar of Moët & Chandon, the world-famous Maison de Champagne founded in 1743. You will have the chance  to see the cellars and of course to taste their prestigious champagne for yourself! Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly

Satisfy your curiosity and follow the footsteps of Gustave Caillebotte himself, since it is here, in the family resort, that the painter planted his easel in open air and painted nearly 90 paintings in the summers of the 1870s. The Caillebotte property is a public garden located in the city center. It is now open to public and is as much a resting place as an invitation to discover a rich historical heritage: the famous "ornamental factories" that dot this beautiful park have almost all been restored. The Caillebotte house can also be visited. In the 1830s, the Caillebotte Property layout followed the principles in vogue: a site chosen for its undulating valleys, its vegetable wealth. The sinuous alleys lead the visitor to the "ornamentation factories", small constructions of varied architectures. The river skirting the domain traces the northen limit. The property Caillebotte is harmoniously integrated into the countryside landscape that once characterized the small village of Yerres. Rich owners, from Borrel to Caillebotte, gave a beautiful look to this sublime English garden. Today, the public garden offers to the visitor an exceptional geographical situation, its preserved views, beautiful trees and all curiosities that history patiently composed. The Yerres river banks kept their charm. The pictorial presence of Gustave Caillebotte, still identifiable, brings a higher dimension to this place of heritage, which bears the name of an artist and exceptional man. The Caillebotte's House is located at the geographical center of the municipality of Yerres. Typical of the 19th century, it was built in the 1830's, in the "English" style with an irregular layout.

Discover the French National Museum on the history of immigration Eleven important dates to understand the history of immigration in France... Based on a historical approach through major migratory events of the last three centuries, the exhibition takes you on a chronological journey in 11 milestone dates by focusing on key moments in the French history.

Discover the world of street art in the Butte aux Cailles in the company of an expert! DISCOVER THE WORLD OF STREET ART IN THE BUTTE AUX CAILLES IN THE COMPANY OF AN EXPERT! Chloé is a Parisian who knows everything there is to know about street art in the capital, and, more specifically, in the Butte aux Cailles. The area is home to many architectural and historical gems and surprises and, most importantly, is the favourite playground of Paris's street artists. Your guide will invite you to wander through the many streets and alleys to discover the different locations of this fleeting art work. You might even be lucky enough to see the artists in action. Chloé will be there to tell you the secrets of urban art and will be delighted to answer any questions. At the end of the walk, you will have the option to relax with Chloé in a lively and friendly tea room.

A small river island which possesses a relatively rectangular shape, about 300 m of length from north to south and 40 m of wide from east to west; all in all, the island measures approximately 10 700 m. The island of the Devastating occupies a kind of indentation in the southeast of the island saint-Catherine. She is connected with her by two pedestrian footbridges, the footbridge of Pie who also crosses the Marne and allows to reach its oriental bank (and to Saint-Maur-des-Fossés) and the second footbridge, smaller, nearby. A very wooded park reserved for the pedestrians covers all of the island.

A river island which possesses a lengthened shape, of 740 m of length from north to south and 130 m of wide from east to west; all in all, the island measures approximately 91 300 m. The island saint-Catherine is separated from the cristolienne bank by a small arm of the Marne: the Arm of Chapître, which derives from the main arm westward from the south extremity of the island and continues then northward. She is separated from islands Breeze-bread and of Swiss cheese, in the North, by another arm connecting from east to west the main arm of the Marne with her derived channel. In the southeast of the island, a last arm separates her from the island of the Devastating, which trains a kind of indentation in its surface.

 The island is connected with the West bank of the Marne by a single bridge accessible to motor vehicles, to the South. In the continuation of this one, the pedestrian footbridge of Pie connects the island with the east shore of the Marne (and Saint-Maur-des-Fossés). The second footbridge is situated in the North, in the direction of the island Breeze-bread. The third footbridge, in the southeast, allows to reach the island of the Devastating, and finally, a last footbridge allows to join the pedestrian and trading street. Populated with kingfishers, with mandarin ducks, with gooses barnacles, of herons, afforested by the multi-hundred-year-old plane trees, by the chestnut trees, by the willows, the island is also renowned for the charm of its houses, the disturbed ambient silence as by the only birdsong.

A small river island. It is about a long plot of land, about 480 m of length from north to south and only 60 m of wide at the most from east to west, near its south extremity, the majority of the island making only around thirty meters wide; all in all, the island measures approximately 17 400 m. The island of Swiss cheese is separated from the island Brise-Pain, clearly bigger and placed in the East, that by a small channel of the Marne along its oriental bank. In the South spreads out the island Sainte-Catherine. The island is connected with the bank of the Marne by a small bridge, more or less in its middle. Almost in its continuation, another bridge connects it with the island Breeze-bread. These two bridges and the short street which connects them are the only public accesses to the island.The rest of its surface is covered by private houses.

The association House of Suburbs and Architecture, located in Athis-Mons, is a center of interpretation of the urban environment, suburban heritage and architecture. Through its exhibitions, publications, all public events and its documentation center, the association gives keys to better understand the manufacturing and processing of a suburban area of Paris: the Essonne.

A river island which measures approximately 900 m of length from north to south and 160 m of wide at the most from east to west; all in all, the island measures approximately 95 000 m. L'Île Brise-Pain is separated from the cristolienne bank in the northwest by an arm of the Marne, whereas the main arm of the river passes by along its east shore. In the southeast, a small channel separates her from l'île de la Gruyère. In the South, a last channel separates her from the island Sainte-Catherine.

 The North of the island is crossed by the avenue of Verdun, a secondary road twice two ways on which also circulates Trans-Val-de-Marne. This avenue connects the island with both banks of the Marne, in the East by the bridge of Créteil and in the East by a smaller bridge. Except this main access, a pedestrian footbridge connects her with the West bank in the northwest, an other one in the island of Swiss cheese in the southwest and the third in the island saint-Catherine in the South. A last footbridge crosses over a small dam on the main arm of the Marne and connects the east shore of the island, more or less in its middle, with the east shore of the Marne.

The island possesses numerous houses and is traveled almost from north to south by a passable road, the main aisle. She also counts the last open-air dance hall of Créteil, the domain Sainte-Catherine.

Paradises of flowers, fruits and vegetables, cristoliennes plots of land of family gardens are places of relaxation and user-friendliness very appreciated by the inhabitants. While allowing the families to devote to a constructive pastime and to save on their purchases of fruits and vegetables, the family gardens contribute to tighten the social links and improve the environmental quality of the places of house.

 The first allotments in France were doubtless created in Sedan, in the Ardennes, by Félicie Hervieu. Around this initiative, an organization establishes in 1893, under the name of work of the reconstruction of the family. It groups then 145 people of 27 families. Five years later, this organization gathers 530 people of 125 families. One of its peculiarities is that it is exclusively managed by women. 

In 1904, there are only 48 allotments in Paris region for 3,5 million inhabitants. By means of the Company of the allotments of Paris and suburb, their multiplication is favored. In 1913, the Paris region possesses 1 515, among which half is implanted in suburb. Both world wars cause the putting in kitchen gardens of numerous parks and historic plots of land. At the end of the Second World War, one account 250 000 allotments in France.

The Delta Museum is devoted to aviation in general and more particularly to the Delta and one of its inventors, Mr. Nicolas Roland Payen. A new configuration of the city entrance allows a site reorganization and a new building offers the possibility of organizing thematic exhibitions (women and aviation, balloons, seaplanes and avionics). Aviation enthusiasts will share their love of airplanes and tell you the story of "Concorde 02" and "DELTA".

The current Quai Fernand-Saguet follows the route of the old Alfort towpath. Long dominated by automobile traffic, the first section of the quay was redesigned as a landscaped promenade between 1994 and 2000 by the landscape architect Jacques Coulon. Opening onto the Marne, the towpath quay became, at the end of the 19th century, a leisure destination for Parisians arriving from boats operated by the Compagnie des Bateaux-Express. Continuing from the Bercy warehouses, it also developed into a site of significant industrial activity, notably related to the alcohol trade. One of the most important establishments was the Suze distillery, located at number 10 Quai d’Alfort from 1875. Once you reach the banks of the Marne, you have two options. If you want to take a break from your walk, you can take Rue Nordling to find public transport at the Maisons-Alfort Ecole Vétérinaire stop. Alternatively, you can also continue along the Marne by following the Promenade Paul-Cézanne, which starts at the foot of the Charenton Bridge and extends to Joinville and Créteil. Enjoy the discovery!

Given over to car traffic in the second half of the 20th century, the banks of the Seine in Charenton are hard to imagine today that they were one of the first destinations for canoeists leaving Paris. It was also a major industrial centre, as the massive silhouette of the Ivry-Charenton industrial footbridge, also known as the cable footbridge, still bears monumental witness. Although the footbridge can be used by pedestrians and cyclists, it was built primarily to carry electricity cables from the former Ivry-sur-Seine power station. Conceived when the power station was first designed in 1923 and completed in 1930, it comprises a long span of 135 m, extended by two side spans that act as counterweights to the central arch. Until the Second World War, it held the world record for the span of its lattice girders. A key strategic and symbolic site, the confluence of the Seine and Marne rivers was marked from Roman times to the 16th century by a column bearing a statue of Jupiter or Mercury. Since 1992, the site, located in the commune of Alfortville, has been occupied by the Chinagora hotel and shopping complex. If you continue along the quay, you will now be skirting the banks of the Marne.

Although the current Charenton Bridge dates only from 1974, it marks the site of a crossing over the Marne River that has held major economic and strategic importance since Antiquity. Caesar, in the Gallic Wars, already mentions the crossing by his lieutenant Labienus at this spot, as he prepared to attack the Parisians with four legions, crossing the Marne thanks to its many islands. The existence of a wooden bridge is first recorded in the 7th century. Carried away by storms and damaged by wars, it was rebuilt many times—first in wood, then in stone, and later in concrete. At one time fortified, its towers were destroyed by Henry IV. In 1664, d’Artagnan passed over it, escorting Nicolas Fouquet as a prisoner to Paris. On March 3, 1814, students from the Alfort Veterinary School resisted the coalition armies there. Like many bridges, it also supported mills, the last of which disappeared in 1811. The bridge’s significance contributed to the gradual formation of the present-day communes of Charenton, Saint-Maurice, and Maisons-Alfort. From the bridge, you can reach the right bank of the Marne by following the path alongside departmental road 6, either upstream or downstream.

Moored on the Autonomous Port of Paris on banks of the Seine, The LIBERTALIA is a Lounge Boat-restaurant club bar, trend where get involved user-friendliness, festivity and good mood.

FrogPubs began his life as a MBA project searches on the potential of an English pub and a micro-brasserie in the center of Paris.

Come to discover the wine differently. Our teams welcome you 7 days a week in a unique place

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:00 pm to midnight Our philosophy: a short card, fresh products, a chef who sublimates the flavors and the presentation... In this atypical and wooded frame, you can benefit of live concerts and of Dj the weekends an invitation the journey!

Quai de la Gare in front of the big library, the kiosk "Café fou" is a kiosk "café with live music" with a programming of blues, jazz, musics of the world or the classic concerts

Chez Lili et Marcel is a big retro café, just taken from the beginning of the last century is. The decoration is a real pleasure of eyes: watch over advertisements metallic panels, foldaway seats, boxes and jars … Armchairs and seats have the patina and the comfort of the furniture of this period.

With breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, there is something for everyone. In a simple and warm setting, (re) discover our pastry classics and other delicacies available only at our cafe. For lunch, there is a selection of quiches, revisited croque-monsieur, and toast with various toppings, all accompanied by baby leaf salads and roasted seeds. Tea is prepared according to the rules of the art to preserve the best of the tea leaf, it comes from the Parisian house Kodama. Brunch will be available soon, served on Sundays from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Laurent Delarbre, age 39, one of the Best Workers of France 2004, was until now at the head of the Café) de la Paix where he knew how to develop an at the same time creative and rigorous cooking. This clermontois begins as apprentice to the Beautiful Miller to Royat in 1991.

Lagunaires former stations of the annees 20, reserved for the users of vaporetti in Venice, the floating kiosks(pavilions) were restored and set up on the Seine for your pleasure. Certainly to classify among the most beautiful and the most original places of Paris.

Choose at first the color of your room according to your desires. Enter an uncluttered space, dive into a cosy bed and take advantage of the comfort and the good be of the Pullman Paris Bercy. Since the big plate glass windows Paris is in your feet

Camping Paris Est in Champigny-sur-Marne offers a range of accommodation standards all year round. Ideally located between Paris and Disneyland Paris, there is plenty of public transport to get you there. Camping Paris Est is located just 10 km from Paris and 24 km from Disneyland® Paris. This location is ideal for travellers who want to explore the capital while enjoying the green and peaceful surroundings of the banks of the Marne and the remarkable gardens and parks. It offers a variety of accommodation, from classic to premium mobile homes, as well as pitches for tents, camper vans, caravans and buses. A restaurant, bar and takeaway service are available to travellers. Tickets for Disneyland® Paris and public transport can be purchased at reception.

A welcome well-kept and personalized in a sophisticated frame waits you to the hotel Devillas, for 3 stars, in the 5th district of Paris.

L'Hôtel de l'Espérance welcomes you warmly in the Vth district of Paris. It's a small charming hotel and of peace of mind, just a step from the street Mouffetard. It is one of the most picturesque places of the Latin Quarter.

Situated at the heart of the Parisian party, the district Mouffetard in the 5th district will plunge you in centuries of history and into the excitement of a district in the trading alleys, to restaurants and in the bars in the typical charm.

Esmeralda is doubtless one of the most original hotels of the capital. Created more than 60 years ago in a building of the XVIIth century, it bears the name of the gypsy which, by its grace illuminates Victor Hugo's novel.

Situated on the Left bank, in the Latin Quarter and in front of Sainte Chapelle, the Hotel les Rives de Notre-Dame is right in the heart of romantic Paris: all the charm for which you wish of a hotel of the city center. Only 10 rooms, which give all onto the cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Seine.

The hotel Lounge Bar Paris is situated at the heart of the Marais and in a few minutes on foot of Notre-Dame. The hotel Duo marries perfectly the contemporary style and the design.

Excellent bedding (gold XL 200). Any rooms equipped with bathroom and toilet, most of the refrigerator and the telephone.

The spirit of the XVIIIth breath on the Left bank at the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés which counts from now on its new intimist and sophisticated address: the Hotel of Buci.