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Three identities
The Val-de-Marne department was created in 1964 for administrative purposes and does not have a distinct historical or geographical identity. Instead, the department's identity can best be described as a threefold mix of the industrial landscapes(particularly in the south near the Seine), residential and bourgeois suburbs (towards the east of the Val-de-Marne near the Marne river) and the semi-rural (mainly limited to the south-eastern corner of the department).
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A watery surprise...
The Val-de-Marne is home to the 2 day 'Festival de l'Oh!' every May. This festival is subtitled, 'L'eau, la vie, l'étonnement en Val-de-Marne' ('The water, the life, the amazement in the Val-de-Marne') and celebrates all things watery. Since the rivers Seine and Marne and their tributaries flow through the department, water plays a big part in the lives of the people who live here. The festival involves river boat excursions, concerts, carnivals and fishing competitions and some spectacular street theatre - hence the clever play on words in the title of the festival where 'l'eau', meaning 'water', becomes the identical sounding exclamation of surprise 'l'oh'.
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Nimble feet required....
For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, 'Le Festival de la Biennale nationale de danse' takes place in Val-de-Marne every two years on the odd year. Over twenty towns in the department participate in this dance festival with new choreographic creations being staged alongside reprisals of well-known routines. The festival was established in 1981 by the General Council of the Val-de-Marne. The initiative can be seen to have been revolutionary in that it was one of the first regular events in France to unite an entire department in the creation, promotion and diffusion of artistic talent.
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Woodland fun in Vincennes
The town of Vincennes, in the north of the department, is well known for its excellent shopping, affluent residents and bustling centre. This is undoubtedly one of the nicest towns within the Val-de-Marne to visit or live in. The town is renowned for its wood - where you will find the Cartoucherie, a former arms depot which has been transformed into a night time theatre. The wood also provides a lovely place to walk in the daytime, as do both the zoo and the town's park.
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How to get there
Given the Val-de-Marne's proximity to Paris, travel to the department is very easy. Orly airport is located in the south-west of the department so this is probably the best option if you are flying. Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar from London Waterloo to the centre of Paris and then take a connecting train to the Val-de-Marne.
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Property prices and availability
Property prices are high in the department due to the proximity of Paris. The Val-de-Marne is also home to some of Paris' more affluent suburbs, particularly around Vincennes, Saint-Mandé and Nogent-sur-Marne to the north, all of which have good transport links with the capital. As you get further away from Paris itself, prices become more reasonable, especially in the agricultural areas in the south-east.
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