Discover Dampmart: the Dhuis Promenade, the Marne and local history

Dampmart can be explored on a trip from two perspectives: landscape and local history. The Promenade des Aqueduc de la Dhuis is a longer route between Dampmart and Le Raincy; paths in the Marne Valley add views of the river and forest. In the town, the Ferme du Chapitre and the history of winegrowing tell of ways of life in the past. Every week, rotating food trucks bring a varied selection to the church square.

Paths between the Dhuis and the Marne

The Promenade des Aqueduc de la Dhuis stretches for 27.5 kilometres between Dampmart and Le Raincy and is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. It runs along slopes and offers views across a varied landscape. Two features help put it in context: its length describes the link between the two towns, while the slopes and views define the character of the landscape. If you are looking for outdoor activity above all on your trip, this route offers a specific place to start; the promenade is intended for people on foot and by bike.

The Aqueduc de la Dhuis also has its own historical significance. It was put into service in 1865 and served to supply water to the new Paris envisioned by Napoleon III during the Haussmann era. Thus, in Dampmart, the landscape of a longer promenade meets the history of a structure that once played a role in supplying the capital.

The “Découverte de la vallée de la Marne” route passes through the Bois des Vallières. After going under the railway lines, it follows the Marne. On a walking route through the Marne Valley, you cross a footbridge to view the Dhuis sculptures by Jacques Servières, which are located in Chessy. The forest, riverbanks, passage under the railway and sculptures offer different points of reference in the route descriptions: on one route, the Marne’s banks follow the forest; on the other, the view from the bridge is directed towards the artworks.

Local history and winegrowing

The Ferme du Chapitre is next to the church in Dampmart and is 600 years old. The south-facing slopes near the farm are also part of the town’s history: they were suitable for winegrowing. A specific historical figure adds to this context. In 1891, 41 people in Dampmart described themselves as winegrowers.

Rotating food trucks in the church square

Every week, the church square in Dampmart welcomes rotating food trucks, offering a varied range of food. The changing vendors are part of what makes this offering distinctive, so no particular food truck is there every week. If you would like to plan your visit around eating in the church square, check the latest dates.

Discover more destinations: Chartrettes, Vert-Saint-Denis, Gretz-Armainvilliers, Villeparisis, Montry, Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, Fontenailles, Mauregard.

For the broader travel overview: Seine-Et-Marne.