Montfermeil: Heritage and Park Trails

Montfermeil brings together several distinct themes for a stay: historic buildings, the Musée des Métiers and outdoor activities. For those interested in culture, the Château des Cèdres, the Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul and the Fontaine Jean Valjean offer different points of interest. If you are interested in history, you can choose between architecture, a museum and literature; trails in Parc Arboretum and a smartphone treasure hunt add outdoor activities to the mix.

Château and church: the history of buildings from different perspectives

Denis Neret founded the Château des Cèdres around 1640. Inside, the staircase has a wrought-iron railing dating from the time of Louis XIV. Two notable features of the château were listed as Monuments historiques by decree on December 17, 1976. This brings together several historical aspects: the approximate date of its founding, a specific decorative detail and the later listing of two features.

The Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Only the bell tower, the choir and two adjoining bays of the south aisle have survived. These named parts of the building are the main focus when viewing the church. Other points of interest at the château include its founding and wrought-iron railing. The comparison shows two different ways to explore architectural history: the surviving structure of a church and details of a château.

Musée des Métiers: admission and tours

The Musée des Métiers is housed in the last surviving building of a former manor farm dating from the 17th century. Here, a museum and a building with a history of its own come together. Admission is free; guided tours are available on request. If you would like to take a guided tour, you should arrange it in advance. When planning your visit, it is important to note the difference between free admission and a guided tour, which requires a request.

Literary history at the Fontaine Jean Valjean

The Fontaine Jean Valjean adds a literary note to the themes of architecture and museums. It was named after the success of Victor Hugo’s novel “Les Misérables,” published in 1862. The Fontaine Jean-Valjean was completely restored in 1985. Two stages in its history can therefore be distinguished: its naming in connection with the novel and its later restoration. If you would like to include literary connections in your travel plans as well as buildings, the fountain offers a cultural point of interest in its own right.

Trails, parks and a treasure hunt

Parc Arboretum has more than 3 kilometers of trails suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. You can include the park in your outdoor stay on foot or by bike. Parc Jean-Pierre Jousseaume is also nearby. It adjoins the Moulin du Sempin and covers 6 hectares. The two parks offer different points of interest: at Parc Arboretum, the trails and how they can be used take center stage; at Parc Jean-Pierre Jousseaume, the focus is on its size and proximity to the Moulin.

La Voie des Ânes adds a digital interactive activity to the mix. The location-based Baludik treasure hunt is available free on smartphones; clues help you solve puzzles. If you enjoy playful challenges, the game offers a different way to explore Montfermeil than visiting a museum or viewing historic buildings.

Discover more destinations: Drancy, La Courneuve, Saint-Ouen, Gagny, Neuilly-sur-Marne, Villepinte, Stains, Vaujours.

For the regional travel overview: Seine-Saint-Denis.