Bry-Sur-Marne combines art and local history with outdoor activities. Cultural discoveries range from the Espace Maurice Joron to a historic diorama by Louis Daguerre; along the Marne, a themed audio tour offers further perspectives. A nature garden, workshops, an educational farm and seasonal canoe trips round out the options.
Art and Local History
The Espace Maurice Joron is dedicated to portrait painter Maurice Joron, whose family came from Bry-Sur-Marne. The Maurice Joron collection comprises more than 150 works. His family ties also connect the artist to local history. The Espace is accessible by prior reservation only. Plan your visit accordingly and check the access requirements in advance.
Louis Daguerre’s diorama is an oil painting on canvas, created in 1842 for the chancel of the Church of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais in Bry-Sur-Marne. It is the world’s last and only surviving diorama. It can be viewed free of charge during church opening hours; access is not possible during services. Plan your visit around the church’s opening hours and check the times in advance.
The history of the Château de Bry’s construction takes center stage: it was built in 1690 and rebuilt in the 18th century. Remains from the 17th century have survived to this day. Unlike the diorama, which dates to 1842, the focus here is not a single work of art but a building with several distinct historical periods.
For those who want to do more than simply look at art, the Maison des Arts Etienne Audfray offers art and leisure workshops for all age groups. Certified instructors lead activities in painting, pottery and sculpture. Unlike visits to historic artworks, the focus here is on your own hands-on work. Program details may change; check the current offerings before making plans.
By the Water and in the Green
The audio tour along the Marne uses nine themed information panels between the islands of Bry and the RER bridge; QR codes provide access to the audio version. The panels and audio offer two ways to explore the tour’s themes. As the installations may be updated, check for current information about the tour before visiting.
Jardin Paul Berthet is in the center of Bry-Sur-Marne and is an easily accessible nature garden. It also hosts nature-related activities and events; specific program details may change. If you would like to visit the garden for a particular event, check the latest information in advance.
The Canoë-kayak Club de France, or CKCF, was founded in 1904 as France’s first canoe-kayak club. The club also offers supervised one-and-a-half-hour canoe trips on some Sundays between May and September. Before your trip, check whether an excursion is available for your chosen date.
The Ferme pédagogique de Bry is part of the municipal equestrian center and is home to sheep, goats, pigs and poultry. It offers paid workshops for children. The animals and workshop program may change; check the current offerings before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Limeil-Brévannes, Chevilly-Larue, Thiais, Choisy-Le-Roi, Villiers-sur-Marne, Boissy-Saint-Léger, Vincennes, Champigny-Sur-Marne.
For the broader travel overview: Val-De-Marne.
