The banks of Port-MarlyThe banks of Port-Marly
©The banks of Port-Marly|KROL

Along the Seine Le Pecq, Le Port-Marly

Le Pecq, with its picturesque old town centre and breathtaking views over Paris, stretches along both banks of the Seine. Le Port-Marly, meanwhile, has a tranquil atmosphere and river banks that have inspired many artists. Both, linked by the Seine, blend tradition and modernity, inviting visitors to stroll around, discover their heritage and appreciate their exceptional natural environment.

Le Port-Marly A bridge between the islands

At Port-Marly, you’ll enjoy the stroll along the Seine between the Rowing-club and the footbridge. Along the way, you’ll come across several reproductions of paintings from the Impressionist Trail. Take time to observe them, as several of the canvases painted here were inspired by the flooding of the Seine between 1872 and 1876. The muse of artists, the Seine has also been a place of leisure, with canoeing and today, activities such as rowing and paddle.

Don’t hesitate to span the Seine and then head to Ile de la Loge for a relaxing break! The island, which has been accessible since 2017 via a footbridge, is a leisure and relaxation area, with sports facilities and a children’s park. Last but not least, the Château de Monte-Cristo, built by Alexandre Dumas, is Port-Marly’s must-see tourist attraction.

# 2 Great stories The Seine through history

The Seine has been a key transport route for the villages around Paris, facilitating trade since ancient times. In the Middle Ages and beyond, the banks of the river developed thanks to river activity, particularly the transport of goods such as sand, stone and wine. Many of the villages in Saint Germain Boucles de Seine prospered as a result of their trade with Paris.
The quays, at first simply places of commerce, saw the birth of local industries. Locks and bridges reinforced the river network. Although the railways have gradually supplanted river transport, the legacy of this activity is still visible in the villages of this pretty loop of the Seine.

Le Pecq Bird Island

In 1837, the arrival of the first passenger train between Paris and Saint-Germain-en-Laye marked a turning point for the town of Le Pecq, with the construction of bridges and a viaduct transforming its urban landscape. Although Le Pecq station was demolished in 1896, the influence of these early innovations can still be seen today. To discover the town, we recommend passing through the Saint-Wandrille district, located on the heights, take the opportunity to visit the cemetery, some of whose buildings are worth a diversion.

Lower down, the port of Le Pecq is bustling with activity, welcoming passenger boats and hotel boats on their way to Normandy. In fine weather it’s the cruises offered by the Tourist Office that depart from this river stop for a trip around the islands.

Sailing enthusiasts won’t be left out, thanks to the yacht club, which offers sailing courses and workshops throughout the year. You’ll be able to sail on the Seine and discover its banks in a unique way.

Follow the towpath to the parc Corbière, a much-loved relaxation area for families, with its playground and mini-farm!