The Impressionist Trail in Port-Marly | Saint Germain Boucles de Seine

The town of Port-Marly is looking forward to your visit! This commune, marked by an industrial past, today offers you moments of relaxation and leisure. From the banks of the Seine, to the Ile de la Loge, via the Château de Monte-Cristo, Le Port-Marly is sure to delight young and old alike.

We invite you to follow the trail to learn more about the works of the Impressionist movement, its precursors and its heirs. Take advantage of this walk to explore all the Impressionist paths that line Saint Germain Boucles de Seine.

At a glance

An industrial past at the time of the Impressionists

A past of toil:

We can spot the washhouse along the banks of Port-Marly on several occasions, in various Impressionist works. Le Bateau-Lavoir, by Maurice Denis, or, La Seine à Port-Marly, le lavoir, by Camille Pissarro are just a few examples. It is highlighted, as are the pulp mill and its characteristic chimney, and the printed fabric factory with its bright red roof thus bringing to the fore the labours of the time.

Industrialisation

The Seine and the port were essential assets to the town’s economic growth. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the hills were populated with vineyards. These were used to produce clairet, a simple red wine with a short maceration. This beverage was exported via the Seine to Paris, Normandy and England. As the port developed considerably, new trades and activities were created. By 1850, fishermen, sand-pullers, washing boats and others were gradually settling on the banks of the Seine. In fact, most of the inhabitants of Port-Marly worked in a river-related activity. Industrial activity had never been as developed as it was at this time.

The Floods
Between 1872 and 1876, episodes of heavy rain hit the village of Port-Marly, causing the Seine to flood significantly. These events, which caused a great deal of damage, also proved to be a source of inspiration for some. Alfred Sisley, fascinated by the surging waters of the Seine, made it one of his favourite subjects. On several occasions, he painted different stages of the river’s progress from the same vantage point, including the Auberge Saint-Nicolas. He called this series of paintings L’inondation à Port-Marly.

Activities and leisure on the banks of the Seine

Camille Corot, was one of the first to discover the village of Port-Marly. He was seduced by the watercourse bordering the town, which stretched out slowly, like an invitation to stroll.

Thus, in August 1872, Corot, painted Le tournant de la Seine à Port-Marly, while staying at the Château des Lions for around ten days. In this painting, he depicts a fisherman on the Seine surrounded by idyllic scenery. Walking and fishing are not the only pleasures to be enjoyed on this river.

In fact, in the time of the Impressionists, canoeing was also a popular activity on the Seine. Nowadays, sailing continues in a variety of forms, such as rowing, paddling, boating.

The Rowing-Club du Port-Marly, for example, is one of the many leisure activities in Port-Marly. Every year, it organises an event open to all (with a licence), the Régate des Impressionnistes. You can also enjoy the cruises organised by the Tourist Office. They depart from Croissy-sur-Seine, Chatou, Carrières-sur-Seine and Le Pecq.

There are numerous small islands dotting the Seine, providing a real invitation to relax. Ile de la Loge in Port-Marly is one of them, offering children’s play areas, flower meadows and shady walkways.

The time of an afternoon in Port-Marly

L’Île de la Loge: Port-Marly’s leisure island
In fact, thanks to the footbridge inaugurated in 2017, you can reach Ile de la Loge. Make the crossing on foot or by bike and enjoy the facilities on site. This fun and leisure park, accessible to all, also promotes respect for and preservation of biodiversity. On site, you can enjoy sports facilities, as well as paintball and a children’s playground.

And if you love large parks and beautiful monuments, head to the Château de Monte-Cristo.

The Château de Monte-Cristo, a must for leisure activities in Port-Marly
The Château de Monte-Cristo was built in 1846 and is set in an English-style garden. It was Alexandre Dumas who designed and built this residence. In fact, it was his living quarters and the venue for his grand parties. Whereas the Château d’If, designed in a neoclassical style, was more intimate and served him as a writing room, among other things.

Today, you can visit the Château de Monte-Cristo freely or on a guided tour (one Sunday a month), or enjoy a dramatised tour (last Sunday of the month from February to November).

©Parc Ile Loge Port Marly Compresse|Rodolphe Soucaret

©Walkers on the banks of the Seine at Port-Marly|JOEL DAMASSE

Road book

A must to discover

The Three Musketeers, D’Artagnan, Milady, Queen Margot, the Count of Monte Cristo, if cinema has brought Alexandre Dumas’ masterpieces to light, it’s here that you’ll appreciate their grandeur.

The stones of the château, the finesse of the materials, the energy of the premises, here everything reflects the exuberance of this multi-faceted artist, who was at once a visionary writer, an insatiable traveller, an eccentric gourmand and a great lover of women. You’ll be won over by this extraordinary estate and rediscover a man of innumerable talents.

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