When the heat climbs, there’s only one thing on our minds: finding a cool water spot a stone’s throw from home. And in this regard, the Val-de-Marne (94) is leading the pack. The department runs along the Marne, and the river comes alive every summer as a true playground: urban beaches along the banks, supervised pools for a dip in nature, and large-format leisure hubs. Most of these spots are free and easily accessible by public transport from Paris. We’ve picked out the best addresses to lay down your towel this summer 2026.
Along the Marne, bathing spots are multiplying. In Maisons-Alfort, the riverside swimming area at the foot of the Charentonneau footbridge reopens from June 20 to the end of August 2026, while Joinville-le-Pont sets up its beach on the sandbank of the marina until August 31. Upstream, Champigny Plage rolls out its sand and guinguette mood from July 4 to 19, and the Jardin du Beach takes up residence in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, at La Varenne, starting June 20. For a proper outdoor day, head to the Créteil Leisure Island and its wave pool.
What to do with children in Val-de-Marne? Our favorite family outings in the 94
The Val-de-Marne department in the south-east of Paris, in the inner and outer suburbs of the city, offers a wide range of family outings particularly suited to children. From street art strolls to the region's most beautiful rose garden, not forgetting historic sites and national monuments: head for the 94! [Read more]
Swimming in the Marne is now open in Maisons-Alfort!
Swimming in the Marne makes a comeback in Maisons-Alfort, Val-de-Marne: the site at the foot of the Charentonneau footbridge will reopen its pools this weekend, from June 20 to the end of August 2026, with a free, festive inauguration day. [Read more]
Joinville-le-Pont's beach and swimming area reopen this heatwave weekend in the 94.
Swimming in the Marne makes its return to Joinville-le-Pont, in Val-de-Marne: the beach built on the marina’s sandbank will reopen its pools this weekend, from June 20 to August 31, 2026, with a free, festive inauguration day. Here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]
Free swimming in Val-de-Marne: Jardin du Beach opens its doors.
Free swimming in the Marne is making a comeback in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés: the Jardin du Beach, set along the water at La Varenne, will welcome swimmers from June 20 to July 19, 2026, with no reservation required, in a supervised and secure pool. [Read more]
Champigny Beach 2026: free swimming in the Marne and its activities
Swimming in the Marne makes its grand return to Champigny-sur-Marne with Champigny Plage 2026, from July 4 to 19, 2026. On the agenda for this 21st free edition: a beach, an designated swimming zone, concerts, games, and a guinguette vibe by the water. [Read more]
The Ile de loisirs de Créteil (94), the perfect spot for a day of swimming in the open air
The Base de loisirs de Créteil in the Val-de-Marne region of France welcomes you for a relaxing day out with the whole family. With its nautical base, wave pool, Maison de la Nature and accrobranche, it's the ideal setting for a day's outdoor fun! [Read more]
Stand-up paddle rental in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés (94), for a sporty ride on the Marne river
How about a paddle on the Marne? Along the bucolic banks of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, that's what Beach Paddle offers, for a few hours of paddling along the river. [Read more]
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]
This summer, you’ll have plenty of places to swim in Val-de-Marne.
What to do with children in Val-de-Marne? Our favorite family outings in the 94
