Claye-Souilly is a commune in Seine-et-Marne, in the Île-de-France region, 40 km north-east of the center of Paris and 15 km west of Meaux.
Its territory of 15 km² is located on a plateau at the gateway to the natural region of Brie, at the crossroads of several communication axes. Outside the urbanized areas, the locality presents a green aspect, since 30% of its land is covered with forests and 25% is cultivated.
Created in 1840 after the merger of the towns of Souilly and Claye, it is truly a town in the countryside which now has some 12,400 inhabitants.
Already occupied during Prehistory, a Gallo-Roman villa was established there in Antiquity, then the future locality was entrusted to monks from the abbey of Meaux in the 12th century and from the 16th century, fees were paid there. of passage. Later, Louis XVI, on the run, made a stopover there before being arrested in Varennes…
Residential neighborhoods developed in the 20th century and shopping centers and sports and cultural facilities were created.
Claye-Souilly has a wide range of leisure activities. With its heritage elements and its preserved environment, it does not lack assets to seduce visitors...
Near the Ourcq canal, which winds through the city center, the Tourelles castle remains the major heritage site of Claye-Souilly. It was built in 1850 in a park that previously belonged to the Duchess Melchior de Polignac. The castle housed the command of the 6th Army during the Battle of the Marne in September 1914 and it was requisitioned by the Germans in 1940. At the end of the Second World War, the Secours National placed the children of Paris there to protect them from bombardments. More recently, after having served as a school, the castle has been restored to house the town hall of the city. Services open to the public can be visited. Information on +33 1 60 26 92 00.
Not far from there is the Saint-Etienne church, rebuilt in the 17th century. Its single barrel-vaulted nave has exposed beams and is pierced with semicircular windows. One notices inside the painting representing the Holy Family, inspired by the work of Raphael visible in the Louvre. It surmounts the high altar surrounded by an altarpiece with Corinthian columns. The woodwork in the church is also remarkable, such as the carved oak pulpit, adorned with golden rays that refer to the abbey of Chaage-de-Meaux.
On the cultural level, the André-Malraux space hosts quality shows throughout the year (plays, concerts, etc.). Information on +33 1 60 27 01 78. As for the Médiathèque de l'Orangerie, it regularly schedules events (storytelling, philosophical cafes, meetings). Contact on +33 1 60 26 92 10.
For athletes, in addition to municipal stadiums and gymnasiums, tennis courts (outdoor or indoor) can be reserved at the Clément Petit stadium. Call +33 1 60 26 38 95. In addition, all year round, the inter-municipal swimming pool is accessible to the public. In summer, in addition to the 25 m pool, there is a terrace and a lawn dedicated to idleness with deckchairs and ping-pong table. Information on +33 1 60 94 80 55.
As far as "nature" leisure activities are concerned, the vast 38 hectare "Papillon de la Prée" municipal park is obviously suitable for walking but it also includes a picnic area, a fitness trail, an apiary and an educational farm with animals. Free entry all year round for the park but paying access for visiting the farm from April to October (5 euros, information on +33 6 12 51 41 15).
The Buffon park and the banks of the Ourcq canal (reserved for pedestrians) are also suitable for walking. Bike paths are also set up on the territory. Finally, for hikers, note that the GR 14 which links Paris to the Ardennes via Brie and Champagne passes through the town's forest. This is also the case for the Promenade de l'Aqueduc de la Dhuis, a 27 km long route open to pedestrians and cyclists which was developed by the Agence des Espaces Verts d'Île-de-France, and which is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
Maps and information on +33 1 60 39 60 39.
At the beginning of March, book and comic book festival at the media library.
At the end of March, international musical festival with choral formations and folk groups at Espace André-Malraux.
The last week of August, "Terre de Brie at the water's edge" programs nautical activities (kayak rides, pedal boats, etc.) and a fun fair.
The first Saturday in September, association forum.
