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 at Maisons-Alfort, Val-de-Marne, for Summer 2026
Swimming in the Marne makes a grand comeback in Maisons-Alfort, Val-de-Marne: the site laid out at the foot of the Charentonneau footbridge has reopened its pools until the end of August 2026. We tested it and here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]
La plage et baignade de Joinville-le-Pont dans le Val-de-Marne pour se rafraîchir
Joinville-le-Pont's beach and swimming area in Val-de-Marne to beat the heat
Swimming in the Marne returns this summer to Joinville-le-Pont in the Val-de-Marne: the beach laid out on the marina’s sandbank has reopened its pools until August 31, 2026. Now is the time to enjoy it. [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]
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.
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What to do with children in Val-de-Marne? Our favorite family outings in the 94
