Île Sainte-Catherine is one of the small islands in the Marne that give Créteil a much more rural character than many expect. Around 740 metres long and 130 metres wide, it is explored on foot among footbridges, dense vegetation, unusual houses and waterside views.
The walk is particularly pleasant for a peaceful family outing: ducks, swans and other Marne birds are often seen, with several places to slow down and enjoy the calm.
What to see on the walk
- Passerelle de la Pie, the footbridge linking the island from Saint-Maur-des-Fossés;
- riverbanks and small open views over the Marne;
- houses with very varied architecture, sometimes almost hidden in the vegetation;
- Île des Ravageurs, the green part of the island group, with a park, children's play areas and picnic tables.
How much time should you allow?
This is not a hike: plan around 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on your pace, detours and breaks. The appeal is precisely to wander rather than cover kilometres.
To extend the walk, the Marne riverbanks towards Saint-Maur or Créteil make it easy to add a few more kilometres.
Practical access
Access to the Île des Ravageurs park is available notably via impasse du Moulin-Berson in Créteil, beneath Passerelle de la Pie. The site is freely accessible during park opening hours.
Please note: Île Sainte-Catherine is a destination for a riverside walk along the Marne, not a restaurant or floating guinguette.
