Far from being the most popular département in the Paris region, Val-de-Marne is an extension of the capital, heading east towards Seine-et-Marne. Between natural areas, the banks of the Marne and cultural walks, it's the perfect territory for a great family outing!
And yet, it's here, on the banks of the Marne, that guinguettes first appeared in the 1800s, here that people come to stroll on the bucolic Île Fanac or Charentonneau, here that people come to bask on the shores of the Créteil lake... Or paddle or canoe along the pretty banks of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés! From the Bois de Vincennes to the famous Roseraie de l'Haÿ-les-Roses, from the Closerie Falbala designed by Jean Dubuffet to theExploradôme and MAC VAL (contemporary art museum), the Val-de-Marne is well worth a visit, whether for a day trip or even a weekend!
The added bonus is that the area is relatively well served by public transport: so, why not take the kids on a little outing in the Val-de-Marne department?
Chinese New Year 2026 at Chinagora: festivities, fireworks, and lion dance in Val-de-Marne
Like every year, Chinagora, the quintessential Chinese hotel in the Île-de-France region of Val-de-Marne, is celebrating the Lunar New Year. This year, fireworks and lion dances will once again take center stage on Monday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 17, 2026. [Read more]
Vietnamese Lunar New Year — Tet 2026 Celebrated at Pavillon Baltard
To celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year in Paris, head to Pavillon Baltard this Saturday, February 14, 2026. This popular event among the Vietnamese community is making its comeback to mark Tết in the Paris region. Expect a lively lineup of entertainment, performances, a buffet, market stalls, games, and an evening dance party to get everyone in the festive spirit. [Read more]
Heritage, cultural outings & walks
Carnival of Villiers-sur-Marne 2026: Face painting and grand festive parade in Val-de-Marne (94)
On the occasion of Mardi Gras, the city of Villiers-sur-Marne invites you to its annual carnival on February 21, 2026. Enjoy face painting activities and join the traditional parade! [Read more]
Ablon-sur-Seine Carnival: Experience a Caribbean Night in Val-de-Marne (94)
The Ablon-sur-Seine Carnival is moving indoors to the Alain-Poher Cultural Center in Val-de-Marne for an energetic Caribbean-themed evening on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Colorful costumes, lively music, dance, and food stalls will transform this winter event into a vibrant celebration open to everyone. [Read more]
Thiais Carnival 2026: Free Parade Through the Streets of the Town
The Thiais Carnival is making a return on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Val-de-Marne. This free parade turns the streets into a lively celebration, featuring decorated floats, brass bands, and vibrant costumes, from 2:30 PM to 6 PM. [Read more]
Serenades at the Fortress: An Unique Valentine’s Day Celebration at Château de Vincennes
The Château de Vincennes invites you to spend an enchanting and romantic evening this Saturday, February 14, 2026, with their special "Serenades at the Keep" tour. [Read more]
Games Day in Chennevières-sur-Marne: Free Video Game Tournaments and Live Activities
The Games Day at Chennevières-sur-Marne is making a comeback to the Jean Moulin Municipal Space for a new edition on Saturday, February 7th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This free video game event features a mix of retro and modern titles, competitive gaming tournaments, activities for all ages, and fun-filled entertainment, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. [Read more]
In the Paris region, this museum dedicated to town gas is housed in a former factory.
A museum nestled within a former factory, just a metro ride away? In Val-de-Marne, the Municipal Gas History Museum showcases the story of urban gas from the 19th century onward. An unusual visit worth exploring in Alfortville. [Read more]
Vincennes Carnival 2026: parade, samba bands, stilt walkers, and family-friendly activities
Colors, music, and costumes take over Vincennes on February 14, 2026, for the second edition of the city’s Carnival. This lively event is a must-see in Val-de-Marne (94), just in time for Mardi Gras 2026, offering a fun day out for families and friends alike. [Read more]
Beyond the wall of his - techno parties: free photography exhibition at the Maison Doisneau
The Doisneau House immerses visitors in the world of techno nights with a documentary photography exhibition, open to the public free of charge from March 13 to May 31, 2026. [Read more]
MO5 Museum - Video Game Museum: Discover the history of gaming and play in Arcueil (94)
Dive into the world of video game history at a museum unlike any other in Arcueil. The MO5 association invites you to have fun at its Video Game Museum, an immersive space dedicated to the history of gaming, featuring interactive exhibits, conferences, and a collection of retro games to (re)discover. [Read more]
The MAC-VAL, Val-de-Marne's contemporary art museum, and its collections within Navigo's reach
If you're a contemporary art lover, come and discover - or rediscover - the MAC-VAL, the Val-de-Marne contemporary art museum in Vitry-sur-Seine. [Read more]
Center aquatique d'Alffortville (94): swimming, sports and leisure facilities for the whole family
Fancy a little splash around Alfortville? Then head for the town's aquatic center, where you'll find swimming, games and fitness facilities. [Read more]
Center Aquatique de Nogent-sur-Marne (94): Olympic-size pool, diving and outdoor beach
If you live in the Val-de-Marne and want to swim, sweat or simply bubble, the Centre Aquatique de Nogent-sur-Marne offers a complete space for the whole family, with an Olympic-size pool, diving pit, solarium, gym and sauna. [Read more]
Smile World: indoor leisure activities for the whole family in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Smile World is the indoor leisure complex awaiting you at Bercy 2 and in the 15th arrondissement. Electric go-karting, trampoline park and laser game await visitors for fun-filled moments with family and friends. [Read more]
Spots where to sleep and have fun with the kids
L'écu de France, a gourmet restaurant in a historic setting on the banks of the Marne (94)
L'Écu de France is a gourmet French restaurant located in the heart of a former coaching inn dating from 1717, on the banks of the Marne River. A good address in the Val-de-Marne that's well worth the detour! [Read more]
Blooma, the bar-restaurant with creative dishes in a bucolic atmosphere in Fontenay-sous-Bois (94)
In Fontenay-sous-bois, a bar-restaurant resembling an urban oasis offers seasonal cuisine in original dishes and creative, affordable cocktails. Head for Blooma, a gourmet spot where you can stop for a treat or a toast! [Read more]
Zoos and aquariums
Amusement parks and fairgrounds
Royal Kids in Ivry-sur-Seine, the indoor playground for the whole family in Val-de-Marne, France
The Royal Kids playground in Ivry-sur-Seine, not even a kilometer from the Paris ring road, is the ideal place to spend a day, morning or afternoon with the family! [Read more]
Sports outings
Île Fanac in Joinville-le-Pont: green walks, canoeing, rowing and a gourmet barge
In Joinville-le-Pont, enjoy a quiet interlude on Île Fanac, discovering the elegant houses with pontoons. On the program: a stroll in a beautiful green setting, canoeing and rowing on the Marne and other nuggets to discover. [Read more]
Parks and gardens
The Roseraie du Val-de-Marne at l'Haÿ-les-Roses, the world's first rose garden
Looking for the most beautiful rose garden around Paris? We'll take you to L'Haÿ-les-Roses in the Val-de-Marne to discover the world's first rose garden, created in 1894! Both a conservatory of plant collections and a Jardin Remarquable, this rose garden, open from May to September, is sure to delight your eyes. [Read more]
Parc des Cormailles, a large departmental park in Ivry-sur-Seine (94)
Did you know? Ivry-sur-Seine is home to a large green space, and more specifically, a departmental park: the Parc des Cormailles, an ideal place for a stroll, a jog or an outdoor picnic! [Read more]
Parc départemental des Lilas, the large wooded park in Vitry-sur-Seine (94)
While in Vitry-sur-Seine, be sure to visit the Parc Départemental des Lilas, the city's largest green space with orchards and allotments. [Read more]
Current activities
A Little Prince-inspired daycare center in the Belle Epine shopping center (94)
The Belle Epine shopping center in Thiais, in the Val-de-Marne département of France, recently acquired a playground as poetic as it is playful: visit level 0 to discover it! [Read more]
Ile Charentonneau, a natural area on the outskirts of Paris where you can feel alone in the world.
Along the Marne River in Maisons-Alfort (94), Ile Charentonneau is an island territory in the Val-de-Marne department where you can stroll at your leisure for a change of scenery at the gateway to Paris. [Read more]
