Orly brings together a range of interests for visitors: Seine riverbanks with cycling and walking paths, equestrian sports, a varied cultural programme and architectural heritage. When planning your visit, it is worth checking the details: access to the riverbank is via a specific route, the cultural centre’s programme changes seasonally, and riding options are grouped by age.
Seine Riverbanks and Paths
A narrow strip of riverbank in Orly is open to the public, provided you take the relatively undeveloped path beneath the railway line and via the voie du Bouvray. The riverbanks are recognised as a sensitive natural area (ENS). They offer leisure areas as well as cycling and walking paths, and visitors are asked to help protect the existing natural environment.
Access is part of planning your visit: the public riverbank strip is narrow and can only be reached via the route described. For orientation, it is also useful to know that cycling and walking paths are among the facilities available along the riverbanks.
Culture and Architectural Heritage
The Château d’Orly is a 17th-century building. It has belonged to the town of Orly since 1946 and is now home to the École Municipale des Arts d’Orly. The site thus brings together a historic period of construction and a contemporary cultural use.
The Église Saint-Germain d’Orly dates back to the 10th century and was rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries. Its 12th-century nave and Renaissance choir reflect different phases of construction. Inside, you can also see the mural “La Nativité” and the tombstone of J. Quignon.
The Belvédère in Parc des Saules features a large orientation board and a large sundial. Alexandre Chemetoff created the sundial in 1998. The board and the sundial are two distinct features to look out for when exploring the site’s design and orientation.
Events and Equestrian Sports
The Centre Culturel Aragon-Triolet offers a varied programme of performances, events and cultural activities for all ages. As the programme changes seasonally, check the dates if a particular event is important to your stay.
The Centre équestre municipal d’Orly offers horse riding to the general public from age 12, at all skill levels. Children aged 7 to 11 can ride ponies. As participation requirements and age groups may change, it is advisable to check them before making plans.
A Special Tour and Getting There
A guided tour of Paris-Orly International Airport offers insight into its history and operations. The tour also includes a reserved area on the runway side. Dates and security requirements may change; before planning, check whether the tour is available during your preferred period.
Since June 2024, Metro line 14 has run to Paris-Orly Airport, stopping at Pont de Rungis station. It connects with the RER C and bus routes 482 and 183, which serve Orly’s neighbourhoods. Check the connections again before travelling to ensure your plans suit the services available at the time.
When choosing Orly as a destination, you can weigh up your interests: the buildings and sundial are permanent features, while the cultural centre offers a programme that changes seasonally. Riverside paths, riding options and a possible airport tour provide further choices; for activities with set dates, it is worth checking the schedule.
Discover more destinations: Vincennes, Saint-Maur-Des-Fossés, Alfortville, Champigny-Sur-Marne, Joinville-Le-Pont, Fontenay-Sous-Bois, Cachan, Marolles-En-Brie.
For the regional travel overview: Val-De-Marne.
