📍 France

VAL-DE-MARNE: PLEASURE GARDENS AND LAKESIDE CHÂTEAUX

Castle ramparts pierce the canopy. Lakes mirror the sky in silence. Garden fountains spray cool mist. Val-de-Marne breathes refinement, fully customizable.

≈ 10
Days
55
Km
10
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Set out to explore eastern Paris between castles, rivers and art of living. Visit Vincennes fortress and its ramparts. Stroll along the Marne at Saint-Maur and discover its artistic heritage. Wander gardens and waterside at Nogent-sur-Marne. Explore Joinville-le-Pont and its cultural history. Around Paris, water and heritage set the journey's rhythm.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Creteil

lake modern urban gateway

Creteil - Photo 1Creteil - Photo 2Creteil - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Lake Créteil.
2
Château de Vincennes (medieval keep).
3
Loops of the Marne.
🎯

Activities

→
MAC VAL (contemporary art museum).
→
Leisure island.
→
Vincennes Zoo.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8.5 km
Travel time: 17min
2
Day

Vincennes

fortress castle wood rampart

Vincennes - Photo 1Vincennes - Photo 2Vincennes - Photo 3Vincennes - Photo 4Vincennes - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Villa Médicis.
2
Baltard Pavilion.
3
Banks of Marne.
🎯

Activities

→
Lake Daumesnil.
→
Pleasure gardens.
→
River walks.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8.4 km
Travel time: 17min
3
Day

Saint Maur Des Fosses

riverside painter artist village

Saint Maur Des Fosses - Photo 1Saint Maur Des Fosses - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Traditional guinguettes.
2
Veterinary school (Fragonard museum).
3
Anatomy).
4
Val-de-Marne Rose Garden (international collection).
🎯

Activities

→
Heritage of the banks of Marne.
→
Historic guinguettes.
→
Jazz festival.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5.5 km
Travel time: 11min
4
Day

Nogent Sur Marne

waterside garden artist retreat

Nogent Sur Marne - Photo 1Nogent Sur Marne - Photo 2Nogent Sur Marne - Photo 3Nogent Sur Marne - Photo 4Nogent Sur Marne - Photo 5Nogent Sur Marne - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Prison (exterior).
2
Historical).
3
Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Polidor (historic Pathé cinema).
→
Cinematographic heritage.
→
School.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 2.5 km
Travel time: 5min
5
Day

Joinville Le Pont

boat village pontoon tradition

Joinville Le Pont - Photo 1Joinville Le Pont - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Gustave-Roussy Institute.
2
Bois de Vincennes nearby.
3
Seine-Marne confluence.
🎯

Activities

→
Perfumes.
→
Ancient varieties.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3.9 km
Travel time: 8min
6
Day

Maisons Alfort

river island historic school

Maisons Alfort - Photo 1Maisons Alfort - Photo 2Maisons Alfort - Photo 3Maisons Alfort - Photo 4Maisons Alfort - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Veterinary school (Fragonard museum).
2
Anatomy).
3
Fort.
4
Marne.
🎯

Activities

→
Parc de Sceaux nearby.
→
Penitentiary heritage.
→
Russian market.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10.3 km
Travel time: 21min
7
Day

L Hay Les Roses

rose garden paradise blooms

L Hay Les Roses - Photo 1L Hay Les Roses - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Val-de-Marne Rose Garden (international collection).
🎯

Activities

→
Residential neighborhoods.
→
Perfumes.
→
Ancient varieties.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3.4 km
Travel time: 7min
8
Day

Fresnes

forest village suburban charm

Fresnes - Photo 1Fresnes - Photo 2Fresnes - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Prison (exterior).
2
Historical).
3
Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Parc de Sceaux nearby.
→
Penitentiary heritage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6.6 km
Travel time: 13min
9
Day

Villejuif

suburb modern urban center

Villejuif - Photo 1
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Castle.
2
Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte Church.
3
Gustave-Roussy Institute.
🎯

Activities

→
Russian market.
→
Park.
→
Residential neighborhoods.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6 km
Travel time: 12min
10
Day

Charenton Le Pont

river crossing industrial memory

Charenton Le Pont - Photo 1Charenton Le Pont - Photo 2Charenton Le Pont - Photo 3Charenton Le Pont - Photo 4Charenton Le Pont - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Bois de Vincennes nearby.
2
Seine-Marne confluence.
3
Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Quays.
→
Riverbanks.
→
River heritage.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.