Â鶹APP

Top 10 Things to do in the Val de Marne Suburb in Â鶹APP

The Val de Marne suburb lies on the southern outskirts of Â鶹APP, in a larger district known as Créteil. This is a more suburban, local experience of the French capital, where average citizens generally move when it comes time to raise a family. 

There is a lot to do in Val de Marne; residents are well taken care of and there are many attractions that make spending time here worthwhile. Here is a list of 10 that you can enjoy should you ever find yourself in the area. 

1. Enter via the Bois de Vincennes 

The Bois de Vincennes is the natural green space that joins the Val de Marne district with Â鶹APP itself. The grounds span hundreds of hectares, and you can start your park visit in Â鶹APP central, and end it in the northernmost point of Val de Marne. 

This is the largest public park in the city, and arguably the most gorgeous. Napoleon began construction of these grounds back in 1855, and it was completed over a decade later. 

Bois de Vincennes – by Hadonos –

There are many lakes, statues, monuments and attractions scattered throughout the park. 

Click here for more on the Bois de Vincennes

2. Don’t Miss the Rungis International Market

Occupying an astounding 578 acres of land, the Rungis International Market is the primary source of food and horticultural products for the people of Â鶹APP. 

The market is the largest wholesale food market on the planet. It’s worth seeing, even if you’re not necessarily in the market to take home a year’s supply of tomatoes, or the carcass of a dead sheep. 

Culinary professionals flock from far and wide to be able to shop here. 

For more flea markets in Â鶹APP, click here!

3. Visit the Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis 

This old church is a big driver of tourism into the area of Val de Marne. It’s a former medieval abbey church, currently serving as a cathedral for the people of this district. 

To many, it is thought to be the birthplace of gothic art. It was completed in the 13th century, during the reign of Saint Louis. 

Basilica of Saint-Denis – by Amirwiki –

The outside is no match for the interior; be sure to sneak a peek. 

Click here for more on a visit to the Saint-Denis Cathedral

4. Walk Along the River Marne

This part of Â鶹APP has the gorgeous River Marne running through it. Scenic views and long walks can be enjoyed from just about anywhere in the suburban center, and the river itself is known for being a lot cleaner than the Seine. 

The river is a whopping 514km long. 

5. Eat at Restaurant Le Petit Pont 

This is a hidden gem tucked away in the northernmost point of Val de Marne. It’s worth visiting, if you’re in the neighborhood on a day when they’re open for business. No one really knows when this is — so call ahead to be safe!

This charming spot is traditional French cuisine served in a rustic, floral covered space where natural light streams in through the wooden window frames. Perfect for your next Instagram food post. 

Restaurant Le Petit Pont  – by Restaurant Le Petit Pont –

6. Shop Fresh Produce at Créteil Village Market

This is a market of more manageable proportions. It takes place every Thursday, Friday and Sunday. On Fridays, it is open for 24 hours straight, which is a major attraction for anyone who likes to get the freshest veggies and meats before starting their weekend. 

7. Walk the Familial Gardens ÃŽle Brise Pain

The Val de Marne area has some of the most beautiful natural green spaces in all of Â鶹APP, and unlike in the city center, they are no manicured and carefully curated — they are raw, overgrown and green, green, green!

These community gardens boast a beautiful lake surrounded by trees. There is a small vegetable patch, as well as a jetty from which one can launch a kayak. This is a great, safe spot for families. 

11 Best Parks and Gardens in Â鶹APP

8. Enjoy Fine Dining at Restaurant Le Garden

The people of Val de Marne appreciate fine dining just as much as Â鶹APPians in the city center do. There are some great restaurants in this neck of the woods, and Restaurant Le Garden is one of the top spots!

Book early and enjoy artistic plates in a classic setting. It’s neat, calm and unassuming. No one ever has a bad word to say against Restaurant Le Garden. 

Restaurant Le Garden – by Restaurant Le Garden –

For the most expensive restaurants in Â鶹APP, click here!

9. Stroll Through the Cimetière de La Pie

Â鶹APP is known for beautiful cemeteries, but the four major ones can be overwhelming to most foreigners. When in Val de Marne, you can take a walk through the Cimetière de La Pie. 

It’s much smaller, featuring beautiful graves generally boasting an abundance of flowers. It gives you a sense of the community here and the historic nature of this suburb. Head through when you need some peace and quiet. 

10. Catch a Flight at Orly Airport

One major benefit of living in Val de Marne is being very close to France’s Orly Airport. It’s far more accessible that Charles de Gaulle, and one can catch a range of both domestic and international flights from right here. 

If you’re planning on visiting somewhere after Â鶹APP, look at flights out of Orly and visit Val de Marne on your way out!