Located at the junction of the Seine and Marne rivers, Charenton-le-Pont is a small town in the southeastern suburbs of Paris. It was here that a large hoard of Bronze Age swords and axes was discovered in the late 19th century, with the findings now on display in the British Museum.
Things to do in Charenton-le-Pont
Charenton-le-Pont makes an ideal base for exploring the Bois de Vincennes, a 995-hectare green space that was created by Napoleon III in the mid-19th century. It encompasses sporting facilities that include a velodrome, an English landscape garden and an arboretum. Don’t miss is the Grand Rocher du Parc Zoologique de Paris, which is home to more than 230 different species of animals.
On the northern edge of the park is the Château de Vincennes, which was built in the 14th century as a residence for the French kings. It’s notable for having the tallest keep in Europe and boasts a magnificent chapel designed in a Flamboyant Gothic style. You can step inside the former office of the king’s secretary and visit the treasury before enjoying the gatehouse parapet views.
Want to go scuba diving in the middle of Paris? Head to Paris Plongée, where you can undertake beginner or advanced training with experienced instructors. Alternatively, visit the Espace Art et Liberte, an art gallery that hosts changing exhibitions by contemporary artists. Also in Charenton-le-Pont is the performing arts venue of the Théâtre des 2 Rives.
Getting around Charenton-le-Pont
Charenton-le-Pont is around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Paris and 30 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular subway services connect to the Liberte and Charenton - Ecoles stations and buses travel through the area.