In Claye-Souilly, the Canal de l’Ourcq brings together landscape and history: the Forêt régionale de Claye-Souilly borders the canal, while buildings and an old wall tell the story of the town. Wonderful-Land, an indoor amusement park, is another attraction. This gives you three distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: landscape, architectural history and leisure.
Forest, Canal and Viewpoints
The Forêt régionale de Claye-Souilly is bounded to the north by the Canal de l’Ourcq and to the south by the former Dhuis aqueduct, which runs underground. It physically and ecologically connects these two green corridors. Several viewpoints offer views of the Plaine de France and the Monts de la Goële.
The forest is also a stop along the Promenade régionale de la Dhuis. Part of this promenade belongs to the European Natura 2000 network under the Birds Directive. The banks of the Canal de l’Ourcq beside the forest are also equipped for walkers and cyclists. The viewpoints and canal banks offer different perspectives on the landscape: from the viewpoints, you look out over the surrounding area; along the banks, your attention turns to the paths beside the canal.
Buildings and Memories of the Town
The Château des Tourelles was built in 1850 and later became Claye-Souilly’s town hall. During the First World War, it served as General Maunoury’s headquarters; a commemorative plaque recalls this. The building’s construction, its later use as the town hall and its wartime history are three distinct chapters in its story.
The Église Saint-Étienne is one of the oldest buildings in Claye-Souilly. On Bossuet’s final journey from Paris to Meaux Cathedral, the church received the bishop of Meaux’s remains. The building dates from the 17th century and was erected on the ruins of a church that had burned down during the 16th-century Wars of Religion. The present church and its predecessor thus represent two successive periods.
Further details can be found along the Canal de l’Ourcq. La Source Bleue, also known as maison Letellier, has a north-facing façade on the canal and overlooks a damp, tree-filled park. The original La Beuvronette building was constructed around 1910 and was a notable feature of the promenade along the canal. An old wall on Avenue Aristide Briand runs alongside the Canal de l’Ourcq through the town centre; for walkers along the canal, it is an architectural testament to the past.
A Distinct Attraction: Wonderful-Land
Wonderful-Land in Claye-Souilly is an indoor amusement park covering just under 3,000 m². It has dedicated activity areas for children, toddlers, teenagers and adults, as well as a climbing area. WONDER-CLIMB® features twelve climbing walls, each seven metres high. The indoor amusement park offers a different experience from the historic buildings and landscapes around the canal.
Which side of Claye-Souilly interests you most depends on whether you are more drawn to the viewpoints and canal banks, the historic buildings or the amusement park. The differences between these attractions can help you choose a destination that suits your interests.
Discover more destinations: Choisy-en-Brie, Machault, Collégien, Saint-Thibault-Des-Vignes, Bannost-Villegagnon, Ury, Ozoir-La-Ferrière, Coulombs-En-Valois.
For the broader travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.
