Île du Moulin and Île d’Amour

Along the course of the Marne, two small islands captivate visitors with their unique charm — the Île du Moulin and the Île d’Amour. Different in both their history and use, they each reflect the close relationship the town of Bry-sur-Marne has long maintained with the river.
The Île du Moulin, largest of the two islands, owes its name to the watermill that once operated for several centuries in the narrow channel separating it from the Île d’Amour. Powered by the river’s current, the mill produced flour and energy, playing an active role in the local economy. With the decline of this traditional activity, the island became a peaceful, natural haven, yet it still stands as a reminder of a time when the river was a true source of industry and livelihood.

The Île d’Amour, smaller and more secluded, enchanted boaters and day-trippers with its romantic appeal. In the 19th century, it became an idyllic setting for boat rides, picnics, and riverside guinguettes — its poetic atmosphere earning it the evocative name “Island of Love.”

Over time, confusion between the two islands became common. After the mill disappeared, a leisure venue called the “Casino de l’Île d’Amour” opened — not on the Île d’Amour, but on the Île du Moulin. The owner likely chose the more enticing name for his guinguette, and the mix-up has endured ever since!