In Dammarie-Les-Lys, different aspects of a stay come together: the history of the partly ruined Abbaye du Lys, exhibitions and performing arts, as well as paths and activities along the Seine. When planning your visit, it makes a difference whether you want to focus on heritage, an exhibition or outdoor activities in green surroundings.
The history of the Abbaye du Lys
The Abbaye du Lys is a partly ruined Cistercian abbey. Blanche of Castile founded it in 1244; her son Louis IX, known as Saint Louis, financed the abbey. Parts of the remains were designated as historic monuments under a protection order dated December 30, 1930. The foundation and the heritage protection designation thus mark two important points in the site's history.
The site's later use is also part of its history: in 1956, the municipality of Dammarie-lès-Lys bought the entire Abbaye du Lys site to turn it into a public garden. The religious foundation and a later municipal decision about the site thus stand as distinct historical chapters.
Exhibitions and performing arts
The Château des Bouillants hosts exhibitions and is also home to a branch of the media library. The exhibitions cover painting, sculpture, photography, engraving, science and history. The wide range of subjects thus extends from the visual arts to scientific and historical topics. The château is open only during exhibition periods, so check the current exhibition dates before visiting.
The Espace Nino Ferrer offers a different cultural focus: it is a venue with a year-round programme of performing arts. This includes music, theatre and dance, as well as performances for young audiences. While a visit to the château depends on exhibition times, the Espace Nino Ferrer programme features these different performing arts throughout the year.
Walks and activities along the Seine
The banks of the Seine offer walks in green surroundings and a variety of water sports. A three-kilometre stretch of riverbank at the Bords de Seine is open to walkers, rollerbladers, cyclists, joggers and anglers. The riverside route is therefore designed for different kinds of activity, from walking, cycling and rollerblading to jogging and fishing.
Another option on foot is the “Balade au coeur de Dammarie-les-Lys” route. It passes through the town centre and two parks with a rich heritage. This offers a different perspective from activities along the riverbank: here, the route takes in the town centre, parks and heritage sites. Check the route details again before setting off.
Green spaces and insights into beekeeping
The Parc du Château Soubiran is a ten-hectare garden in a country style. Its spacious green areas are suitable for picnics. It offers a clear alternative to exhibition visits and stage performances if you would like to spend time outdoors during your stay.
At the Parc du Château Soubiran, Gabi & La Maison de l'abeille offers training and hands-on beekeeping activities; programme details may change. The Maison de l'Abeille also offers the public free insights into beekeeping, including demonstrations of honey extraction, visits to beehives and honey tastings. Opening is seasonal. Check the current schedule before visiting so you can take these conditions into account when planning.
Discover more destinations: La Ferté-Sous-Jouarre, Crèvecoeur-En-Brie, La Madeleine-Sur-Loing, Chailly-en-Brie, Le Pin, Bannost-Villegagnon, Villeneuve-Sous-Dammartin, Crégy-lès-Meaux.
For the regional travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.
