In Ivry-Sur-Seine, contemporary art, industrial architecture and landscaped green spaces come together. Visitors planning a stay can choose from different areas of focus: exhibitions and architectural history, monuments, or observing nature in a highly urbanised setting.
Art and Industrial Culture
Le Crédac is a contemporary art centre. Its focus is on visual art, artistic production and experimentation, as well as bringing the public into contact with works of art. The programme includes painting, photography, video, sound, graphic art, sculpture, installation and performance. Exhibitions and events during your visit may vary, so check the current programme. The exhibition spaces are accessible to wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. Opening arrangements may also change.
The venue itself is part of industrial history: since 2011, Le Crédac has occupied the top floor of a red-brick building belonging to the Manufacture des Œillets. Built in 1913 on the American Daylight Factory model, it is made of glass and steel. The Manufacture had already been built by Charles Bac in 1890 as a metalworking factory producing penholders and metal eyelets. When it was expanded in 1913, a tower and a building described as “American,” based on the Daylight Factory model, were added. This makes it possible to view the art programme and architectural history as two different perspectives on the same place.
The Étoiles de Renaudie also showcase striking urban architecture: the emblematic area is arranged in stepped terraces, with shops, homes and business premises side by side. Renée Gailhoustet worked for several years on the renewal of Ivry-Sur-Seine. Architecture enthusiasts will encounter both a distinctive urban form and a longer chapter in the city’s development here.
The Théâtre des Quartiers d’Ivry offers performances, artist residencies and artistic activities, and is open to everyone. As schedules may change, it is worth checking the latest dates before your visit.
Monuments and Urban History
The Moulin de la Tour has been documented since 1680 and is probably older. Following its restoration in 1976, it was added to the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Free visits are available on the third Saturday of each month from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Check the date before your visit so you can plan around this time-limited opportunity.
The Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul has been a protected historic monument since 10 April 1929. It is mentioned as early as the 12th century; most of its present-day architecture and furnishings date from the 16th and 17th centuries. The church is open for services and during reception hours. Reception hours may change, so it is advisable to check before visiting. The Hôpital Charles Foix began operating in 1869. Two identical groups of buildings enclose a large courtyard and a chapel there; access to the hospital is subject to separate arrangements.
Green Spaces and Nature
In a highly urbanised neighbourhood, the Cimetière parisien d’Ivry is a green oasis appreciated by walkers and families. The grounds contain 1,903 trees from 66 species and are also associated with 46 bird species. Memorials and military sections commemorate the two world wars. The cemetery thus brings together landscape, wildlife and remembrance – three aspects that may each come to the fore in different ways during a visit.
The Parc départemental des Cormailles offers a different kind of outdoor space. Its themed gardens and garden islands include a sand garden, a vineyard garden and a rose garden. Along a water feature, there is a canal, misting installations, reception pavilions and a sliding area. On Lilies Hill are the Jardin des cimes and a solarium; the slope has climbing structures and slides. These different areas give the park a variety of features, from gardens to the leisure facilities mentioned above.
The Sentier des Vignes is open to the public during several events throughout the year, including grape harvests and seasonal festivals. Access is therefore tied to events. If you would like to include this trail in your plans, check the current event calendar.
Planning Your Stay
The centre of Ivry-Sur-Seine is served by Mairie d’Ivry station on Metro line 7. Check travel information before setting out. The visiting arrangements for each site can also help with your planning: the art programme and performance schedules may change, visits to the Moulin de la Tour take place at fixed monthly times, and the Sentier des Vignes is accessible during events. This lets you choose the right focus for your stay while keeping the different opening times and access arrangements in mind.
Discover more destinations: Fontenay-Sous-Bois, Arcueil, Alfortville, Le Perreux-Sur-Marne, Maisons-Alfort, Boissy-Saint-Léger, Thiais, Saint-Maur-Des-Fossés.
For the regional travel overview: Val-De-Marne.
