Chelles brings together a range of interests for planning your trip: the Musée des Transports Urbains de France features a collection of 70 vehicles, while the Réserve naturelle régionale des îles de Chelles is a natural area along the Marne. There is also church and military history, as well as opportunities for hiking and other activities. First consider whether you would prefer to focus on cultural history or on the landscape and outdoor activities. Connections via Transilien line P and RER E may also play a part in your plans; check journey times for your travel date in the current timetable.
Transport museum and architectural history
At the Musée des Transports Urbains de France, the exhibition of 70 vehicles is arranged by theme and in chronological order. The chronological arrangement provides a guide to the collection, while the thematic layout offers a second perspective. The exact layout of the exhibition may change. The museum also features a metro driving simulator and a model of a tram network. Alongside the vehicle collection, these two special features are also part of the visit.
The Église Saint-André bears traces of several periods of construction. It was first mentioned in the 12th century and stands on the site of a Merovingian cemetery dating from the 6th century. The choir and chapels date from the 13th to 15th centuries; the nave was rebuilt in the 18th century. The church thus reveals a long span of history, from its earliest mentions to later building work.
The Fort de Chelles offers a different perspective: it was built between 1876 and 1879 to monitor the Marne Valley and the railway line. In 2007, the fort was restored as part of the redevelopment of Montagne de Chelles. This redevelopment included a park intended for walking. The fort and the later landscaping of the hill therefore bring together two different aspects of the town's history.
Nature along the Marne and walks
The Réserve naturelle régionale des îles de Chelles lies along the Marne. It consists of a chain of islands and islets covering a total area of five hectares. In the midst of an urban setting, the area provides a refuge for wildlife and plants. Access conditions may change, so check the current requirements before visiting.
A total of 53 bird species have been observed in the reserve, including 17 breeding species. These figures may change as new surveys are carried out. Mont Guichet offers a different perspective on the landscape, with views over the Marne Valley and the town of Chelles. A walk along the hillside also offers the chance to observe some of the animal and plant species found there. The views of the valley and town are complemented by the natural scenery along the way.
Choose hikes and activities
The La grande traversée hike runs from north to south through the Paris–Vallée de la Marne area, along the streets of Chelles and then beside the Marne. It is available year-round; conditions on the route may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting out. Its stated direction and route make it easy to plan this hike as a separate activity, without assuming a starting point in Chelles.
Chelles Canoë Kayak is a sports club where you can learn or improve your whitewater canoeing and kayaking skills. If you are interested in taking part, check the current training times, as schedules may change. Parc du Vieux Moulin has a children's playground and an 18-hole miniature golf course. The park's facilities may be renovated over time; if one of them is important to your visit, it is advisable to check its current status in advance.
Plan your hotel and stay in Chelles
When looking for a hotel in Chelles, use your planned activities as a guide: would you like to make time for the transport collection and architectural history, or are walks, scenery and outdoor activities your priority? You can also factor the rail connections via Transilien line P and RER E into your travel plans. When choosing a specific hotel, compare its location with your own plans and check the best connection for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Châtres, La Chapelle-Rablais, La Chapelle-la-Reine, Nanteuil-Lès-Meaux, Melun, Dampmart, Saint-Jean-les-Deux-Jumeaux, Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry
Return to the main travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.
