The Multien Valley: a journey along the water
Nestled in the southeast of Valois, the Multien Valley is a region rich in history and bucolic landscapes. This plateau, long nicknamed the "granary of Paris," extends beyond the borders of Seine-et-Marne and Oise, offering a unique natural setting between valleys, rivers, and picturesque villages.
The origins of Multien
The Multien Valley, in the south-east of Valois, has Roman origins and has evolved over the centuries.
Historically, it depended on the city of Meaux, and under the Ancien Régime, its territories were administered by Meaux, Soissons and Crépy-en-Valois.
However, with the French Revolution, the Multien lost its administrative unity, and its communes are now dispersed between these two departments.
An exceptional natural heritage
The Multien is a traditional region of the Paris Basin, part of the Île-de-France natural region. Between Haute-Brie and Valois, it lies north of Meaux and is characterized by rich agricultural landscapes. The valley is dotted with wheat fields, meadows, marshes, and poplar groves, providing a bucolic setting ideal for walking.
The rivers that flow through the valley, particularly the Ourcq and the Marne, add a dynamic dimension to this picture. They border the Multien on its eastern and southern flanks, creating natural boundaries. In addition to these main rivers, three smaller rivers, the Grivette, the Gergogne, and the Thérouanne, crisscross the plateau, feeding the artificial ponds that dot the landscape and historically served the old watermills.
Zoom in on the Ourcq: a vital artery
The Ourcq River, approximately 20 kilometers long, plays a central role in the hydrology of the Multien region. It rises in the Oise River and flows into the Marne near Lizy-sur-Ourcq. The Ourcq Canal, begun in 1802 to bring water to Paris, follows the same route and has fostered local trade and industry.
Surrounded by enchanting landscapes, the Ourcq River is home to a diverse biodiversity. The watercress beds that grow along the Gergogne River are a testament to the richness of its natural resources, attracting numerous animal and plant species.
