Val-de-Marne vacation rentals

Val-de-Marne: an underrated destination

Val-de-Marne, named after the Marne River, is a department of France just south-west of Paris. It may not have the glitz and glam of the capital, but those who come to stay in Val-de-Marne vacation rentals find a place steeped in history, with palatial chateaux, botanical rose gardens and fascinating museums. The summer seasons sees a ton of festivals, from foodie events to outdoor concerts, as well as beautiful sunny footpaths along the Marne, while the cooler months are best spent diving into the cozy bistros and taverns in Creteil and Orly.

Val-de-Marne is not short of things to see

There's a long list of historical attractions near your Val-de-Marne vacation rental. A good introduction is the Musee d'Art Contemporain, which houses works from some of the leading French artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. If you've brought the little ones, you should make a beeline for Exploradome, an interactive museum aimed at kids where visitors are "forbidden not to touch". To creep yourself out, drop into the Musee Fragonard d'Alfort at the National Veterinary School, which showcases a grisly exhibition of anatomical parts and is named after the school's 18th-century professor.

Street art and foodie markets in Val-de-Marne

You may have heard of Orly, perhaps just as being home to Paris' smaller airport. Most land and head directly for the capital, but if you stick around this suburb, just half an hour from central Paris, there is much to do. If you're into street art, Orly will captivate you with its modern public works and striking graffiti. The Jardin des Plantes was founded in the early 17th century and makes for a beautiful walk in sunny weather. Alternatively, if you're a foodie, you shouldn't skip a visit to the Marche international de Rungis, the world's largest wholesale food market.

Those in the know visit Val-de-Marne in spring and fall

While Val-de-Marne doesn't see the same number of travelers that descend on the capital, it can still get a little crowded, not to mention humid, in the summer months. It's also one of the priciest times to nab a Val-de-Marne vacation rental. Your best bet is heading to the department in the cooler months of spring and fall, when the climate is more agreeable, the prices of rentals have taken a nosedive and the queues at the attractions have not yet grown, or have dropped off as travelers return home. No matter when you visit, there's always something to do or see.

Exploring the natural landscape of Val-de-Marne

Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, Val-de-Marne is a great place to get outside. These are some of the area's most stunning sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Luxembourg Gardens (7.2 mi / 11.5 km)
• Bois de Vincennes (3.7 mi / 5.9 km)
• Seine (3.7 mi / 6 km)
• Parc Floral de Paris (4.2 mi / 6.8 km)
• Parc Montsouris (6.1 mi / 9.8 km)
• Jardin des Plantes (6.3 mi / 10.1 km)

Transportation to and around Val-de-Marne

If you prefer to travel by train, Creteil Pompadour Station, Choisy-le-Roi Villeneuve-Prairie Station and Le Vert de Maisons Station are the main stations in the city. It's easy to get around Val-de-Marne by catching a ride on the metro at Creteil - Prefecture Station, Creteil - Pointe du Lac Station or Creteil - Universite Station.