Walk along the Promenade des Impressionnistes on Ile-Saint-Denis, go around the listed site that is Fanac Island, treat yourself to a day trip from Médan to Platais Island, visit the Statue of Liberty on Île aux Cygnes or consider a spring picnic on Île de la Loge: the insularity of the Ile-de-France region as if you were there.
Ile-Saint-Denis, an island in the city
It is the only island town in Ile-de-France. Resulting from the meeting of several islands and islets over time, this crescent of land emerges in the middle of the Seine. At first glance, nothing encourages you to visit this island-city of Seine-Saint-Denis of more than 8,000 inhabitants, and yet the Ilodyonians, inhabitants of the island, have little nuggets for visitors to discover. The HLM Maurice-Thorez city alone tells a part of the history of social housing and peaceful cohabitation between different foreign communities.
These originally agricultural lands will resist the establishment of industries at the end of the 19th century.e century and open up on the other hand to the fashion of the banks of the Seine and the guinguettes on the Quai de la Marine. An important river port located between Paris and Le Havre, this mooring port very frequented by the merchant navy leaves its mark on this “village”. Manet and Sisley also sketched its banks. In the Ile-Saint-Denis park, the Promenade des Impressionnistes which runs along the small arm of the Seine is the most bucolic part of this walk.
Access: Tramway T1, L’Ile-Saint-Denis exit; RER D or Transilien from Saint-Lazare station, Saint-Denis exit.
Ile Fanac, the happiness of calm
This was the good news this fall: protected since 1965, Fanac Island, in the Val-de-Marne, is now a listed site in its entirety. This small island paradise of four hectares located on the Marne is accessible only by stairs supplemented by lift from the bridge of Joinville which spans the island. This protected access has allowed Fanac to stay away from traffic and preserve its natural ecosystem.
Although the island has only a few dozen inhabitants, it still houses some very beautiful 19th century villas.e century, including the picturesque Fanac house with its turrets and weather vane. The former Chez Jullien guinguette, immortalized by Emile Zola in To the delight of the ladies, now houses a music school. Originally, Fanac belonged to the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Maur and its four hectares were reserved for agriculture. The tour of the island is done on foot, allowing you to enjoy the peace and quiet away from the city but also sports activities such as rowing and canoeing.
You have 60.44% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.