Mary-sur-Marne can be explored from two directions: the water shapes both activities along the Bords de Marne and the history of the town. There are also specific milestones in its church and local history. When planning, you can therefore choose between activity by the river, historical connections and a look at the region’s geology.
The Marne and the Ourcq: water in the landscape and history
After about 87 kilometres, the Ourcq flows into the Marne in the communes of Mary-sur-Marne and Lizy-sur-Ourcq. This confluence is also part of the town’s history: Mary-sur-Marne’s location near the confluence made it a storage site for goods destined for Paris via the Ourcq. Water here is therefore not only a point of reference for activities along the riverbank, but also part of the former goods traffic. The river confluence and the site’s historical function as a storage place offer two different perspectives on the importance of the Ourcq to the town.
The church, the port district and literary history
The Église Saint-Germain is dedicated to Saint Germanus of Paris. The new Église Saint-Germain was blessed on 17 January 1765. The port district offers another connection to the town’s history: it was given the name “Port Courage” after the rescue of people injured in a 1914 train accident. Residents helped the injured using boats. The name is thus linked to a specific event and to the assistance provided by residents. Joseph Kessel is also among Mary-sur-Marne’s historical connections: the writer stayed at the Château Marysien in 1946. The dates 1765, 1914 and 1946 offer different points of entry—from church history and a local event to a literary connection.
Walking, jogging and dining by the Marne
Along the Bords de Marne, you can walk or jog by the water. Both options combine exercise with the river, but offer different focuses: a walk allows for a more leisurely pace, while jogging puts exercise first. Dining with a view of the Marne is also available along the Bords de Marne. If you want a meal there to be a fixed part of your plans, check the current availability of dining options in advance. This way, time by the river and dining remain two distinct parts of your stay, rather than assuming that either one is guaranteed.
Other ways to experience the town
The Montagne des Lorrains fossil deposit dates from the Eocene and has yielded 250 species. This extends the timescale beyond the dated events in the town’s history and back into geological history. For sports, there is also the Terrain omnisports: it has a multisport court for basketball, handball and volleyball, a tennis court and a boules court. The Comité des fêtes de Mary-sur-Marne organises cultural and entertainment events, as well as various excursions and trips. If you would like to include an event or excursion in your plans, check the specific dates in advance. You can then choose the focus of your stay according to whether you are more interested in riverside activities, history, sports or the events programme.
Discover more destinations: Montceaux-Lès-Provins, Mouroux, Le Plessis-Placy, Boutigny, Bussy-Saint-Georges, Vaux-Le-Pénil, Chelles, Fontenay-Trésigny
See the overview of destinations in the wider area: Seine-Et-Marne.
