Matrona

The Marne. Matrona. Mother Earth, once so important to all people.

Cesar saw this important river in eastern Gaul as a border between the Belgians and the Celts. For centuries, it served as a river route, and as the days went by, it saw numerous boats carrying materials and merchandise supplying the towns along its banks, thus fuelling its image as a nurturing mother.

Now quieter, the Marne, in its loops around Meaux Marne Ourcq, is a wilder version, bordered by greenery. Close your eyes and listen to the silence! Who would have thought we were so close to Paris?

And in the middle flows a river

Just like the sun, the Marne rolls out its long emerald ribbon from East to West, across 18 of the 42 communes in Meaux Marne Ourcq: a 100% natural, stunning result!

Far from being a monotonous line, the Marne offers us its most beautiful meanders in a series of loops designated Natura 2000 for their ornithological interest: the Boucles de la Marne.

In these eight loops (four of which are in Meaux Marne Ourcq), the richness and diversity of birdlife is as surprising as it is fragile, and it has become vital to protect the habitat chosen by these species.

It has to be said that we’re right on the banks of the Marne, and if more than 220 species of bird have decided to live here, it’s not for nothing! Wooded areas, fresh water and friendly neighbours… Why would anyone migrate anywhere else?

Want to meet these myriad birds?

No problem, on the contrary!

A number of observatories have been set up just for you, where young and old alike can watch without being seen and get an earful (they can be very talkative).

From the Olivettes Sensitive Natural Area to Parc du Pâtis and the Grand-Voyeux regional nature reserve, get out your binoculars, walk along the Marne and discover its treasures.

  • Héron en bord de Marne à MeauxAurélie Chauvin

How will you take on the Marne?

a. On foot or by bike: dry land is what it’s all about!

There are, of course, the towpaths, which are great to follow for a run, a bike ride or a family stroll; to cool off in summer or enjoy a moment of peace and quiet (whatever the season).

Fancy a short stroll or a real hike (100% signposted by the Comité Départemental de Randonnée Pédestre de Seine-et-Marne!) ?

Here’s our selection of special Marne hikes:  Les Olivettes, The Birds of Grand-Voyeux, Marne and the canal at Varreddes, the confluence of the Ourcq and the Parc du Pâtis.

  • Randonnée en couple en bords de Marne à Germigny-L'EvêqueStudio Mir
  • Plage de Meaux et bords de Marne à vélo entre amisAurélie Chauvin
  • Bateau électrique sans permis Marin d'Eau Douce en famille à MeauxStudio Mir
Kayak entre amis sur la Marne à MeauxStudio Mir
Croisière Rives en Rêves sur la Marne Zoé Graebling

b. La Marne? On the water or nothing!

No problem! The only question is how good your sea legs are.

Kayaking

Would you like to be as close as possible to the water and dip your hand (or foot) into the cool waters of the Marne? Would you like to hear the gentle lapping of the waves on the hull or challenge your friends to see who can sail the fastest upstream? We’d definitely recommend you try a kayak trip.

At the helm

Fancy a less strenuous effort? But does the lapping of the waves and being with friends or family sound good to you? Come aboard a non-licensed electric boat! It’s the ideal way to discover the Marne in a leisurely way and to feel like a captain of a frigate for a while. Onwards sailors! And don’t forget your supplies: enthusiasm makes you hungry!

Just a passenger

Would you rather let yourself be lulled by the river? Listen to its history, meet its flora and fauna? How about a prearranged cruise, or even a trip in an amphibious minibus? The captain (sometimes an Admiral) will take care of everything!

Boating is fun! 

Do you want to go further and become a real sailor? Why not meet the experts at the Meaux or Mary-sur-Marne river stops and see for yourself?

Halte fluviale sur la Marne à MeauxAurélie Chauvin
  • Turbine de l'Usine élévatoire de Trilbardou alimentant l'Oiurca avec l'eau de la MarneDaniel Bernal (Au Fil de l’Ourcq)

Did you know?

The Marne river supplies water to the Ourcq canal!

To find out more, visit the pumping stations of Trilbardou and Villers-Lès-Rigault!